IMR Press / JIN / Volume 23 / Issue 1 / DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2301008
Open Access Original Research
Enhancing Interoceptive Abilities and Emotional Processing: Effects of HD-tDCS
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1 Clinical and Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
*Correspondence: jasmin.schultze@uni-ulm.de (Jasmin Schultze)
J. Integr. Neurosci. 2024, 23(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2301008
Submitted: 28 July 2023 | Revised: 4 September 2023 | Accepted: 14 September 2023 | Published: 11 January 2024
Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). Published by IMR Press.

This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Abstract

Background: Interoception, the processing and integration of bodily signals, is crucial for emotional experiences and overall well-being. The interoceptive network, including the somatosensory cortices, has been recognized for its role in interoceptive and emotional processing. High-definition transcranial, direct-current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has been demonstrated to modulate brain activity in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Based on those findings, we hypothesized that anodal HD-tDCS over the right S1 would enhance interoceptive abilities and heighten emotional perception. Methods: Thirty-six healthy adults participated in two sessions separated by at least one week. A 20-min HD-tDCS stimulation (2 mA), and a sham stimulation, were applied in randomized order. Both conditions involved pre-tDCS physical activation by ergometer cycling. Interoceptive abilities were assessed before and after both sessions using a heartbeat-perception and respiratory-load task. Emotional perception was measured using four matched international affective picture system (IAPS) picture sets presented randomly. Results: Active HD-tDCS did not significantly improve interoceptive accuracy, interoceptive emotion evaluation, or interoceptive sensibility. However, a notable increase in cardiac interoceptive awareness was observed after active HD-tDCS. The expected enhancement of emotional processing was not observed. Conclusions: This study represents the first attempt to modulate interoceptive and emotional processing using HD-tDCS over S1. Although consistent enhancement was not observed, our findings provide insights into the modulation of interoceptive and emotional processes with HD-tDCS, suggesting avenues for further research. Further studies should consider the nuanced effects of stimulation techniques and the complex interplay between interoception and emotion.

Keywords
heartbeat perception
non-invasive neurostimulation
physical activation
primary somatosensory cortex
transcranial direct-current stimulation
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