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Study design

Researchers applied non-invasive transcranial temporal interference stimulation intended to target the striatum while 33 healthy adults completed an effort-based decision task during fMRI. Participants chose between options that paired different levels of an N-back working-memory task with monetary rewards; sham stimulation served as a comparison.

What the findings show

Under stimulation, participants’ choices became more sensitive to both reward amounts and effort costs. Imaging analyses also found stronger representation of effort demands in the striatum and increased functional coupling with anterior cingulate cortex. The results offer experimental evidence about how striatal activity relates to decisions to undertake demanding mental work.

Limits

This was a laboratory study in healthy adults, not a treatment trial. Non-invasive stimulation cannot isolate a deep target perfectly, so effects may involve other regions. The findings do not show lasting benefits, improved cognition, or efficacy for clinical amotivation.

This sourced news summary and translation were prepared with AI assistance. Source links, the news date and research limitations are disclosed; this is not a claim of independent medical expert review. News production method.

Sources

Research news is not medical advice or a recommendation to use a substance. Read findings in the context of the study design, participants and limitations. Editorial standards.

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