Antal lab

Using fronto-vagal repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve cognition and increase heart rate variability in elderly subjects

Heart rate variability (HRV) serves as a crucial index of heart-brain interaction and autonomic nervous system dynamics. Previous research has established a positive association between higher HRV and enhanced functional connectivity in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala, accompanied by improved cognitive performance in humans. Non-invasive brain stimulation, particularly high frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), holds significant potential for improving cognitive function in individuals with cognitive impairment, furthermore it was documented that applying repetitive TMS (rTMS) over the frontal-vagal network the HRV is enhanced. The project aims to enhance cognitive performance in elderly subjects with cognitive impairment through frontal-vagal rTMS and to explore the underlying mechanisms of heart-brain interaction using EEG.

Contact

Lab managementProf. Dr. Andrea Antal
Prof. Dr. Andrea Antal

contact information

  • Prof. Antal is currently vice-president of the European Society of Brain Stimulation (ESBS) (https://www.brain-stimulation.eu/members/). As a member of a committee of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology (IFCN) she offered recommendations on the training of the practice of non-invasive brain stimulation. 

PhD Student

Xue Guo

contact information

  • Ms. Guo has a robust background of psychology. Her early research explored how transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) impacts visual working memory.

    Now, she is conducting research on frontal-vagal rTMS and its potential to enhance fronta-vagal rTMS cognitive performance in elderly adults.

Follow us