AbstractWorking memory (WM) refers to the capacity to temporarily retain and manipulate finite amounts of information; a critical process in complex behaviours such as reasoning, comprehension, and learning. This cognitive function is supported by a parietal-prefrontal network and linked to the activity of key brain neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Impairments in WM are seen in a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders, and there are currently no effective methods of remediating WM deficits. In this study, we analysed secondary outcome measures from a trial investigating the effects of multi-day rTMS on cognition. Participants received four days of 20 Hz rTMS to an individualised region of left parietal cortex in one week, and an individualised region of pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) in a separate week. We assessed changes to WM function before and after each week of stimulation (N = 39), and changes to GABA concentration before and after stimulation in week one using MR spectroscopy (N = 18 per stimulation condition). We hypothesised that multi-day parietal rTMS would enhance WM and reduce GABA concentration, but this was not observed. Instead, we report some evidence of improved WM function and increased GABA concentration following pre-SMA rTMS, although this effect was variable across individuals. Additionally, we found that higher cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with greater WM improvement following pre-SMA stimulation. While there are a number of factors known to influence the response to rTMS, increasing cardiorespiratory fitness may provide a novel approach to enhance cognitive outcomes. Given the clinical utility of both exercise and rTMS, future studies are required to determine whether additive effects may be achieved when applied in tandem.
Cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity and pulse pressure as predictors of learning in a multicomponent intervention in healthy older adults
