Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) is a useful tool for assisting causal inferences in cortical structure–function relationships and for developing treatment alternatives in neuropsychiatric disorders. Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) techniques, namely transcranial direct stimulation (tDCS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), have grown in popularity in recent years because they are well tolerated, safe, and less costly compared to other forms of NIBS such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The rigour and reproducibility of TES studies and their findings is therefore of key importance. However, in recent years, uncertainty has grown regarding the effectiveness of TES and the quality of its evidence base. Current recommended steps to improve the rigour and reproducibility of TES research have mainly focused on reducing variation and ambiguity in reported findings. To effectively deal with reported issues, Open Science practices provide a possible answer. The goal of this article is to give an overview of Open Science practices relevant to TES research (i.e., open materials/data, preregistration, registered reports, collaboration) and guidance in how to overcome challenges one may face in their implementation (e.g., data anonymity, costs of sharing materials/data, inappropriate incentives). The ultimate goal of this article is to instigate more engagement from TES researchers in how Open Science practices can be incorporated into standard research practice.
Online and offline effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation of the primary motor cortex