Effect of Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Visual Search and Attention Functions of Aeronaut

This study aimed to investigate the performance of visual search and attention functions of aeronauts based on transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).

This study was a non-randomized, semi-experimental, with a single-blind crossover design. The statistical population of the study was military aviators of a training center in Tehran in 2022. Twelve aeronauts (mean age 37.53±4.82) were selected by purposive sampling method and were examined in three rounds under extracranial electrical stimulation with an interval of two days for each stimulation. measurement tools included continuous performance tests and Concentration Attention Test.

The results of testing the hypotheses using analysis of covariance showed that direct electrical stimulation of the brain has a significant effect on reducing the visual search response time and increasing the correct visual search response (P≤0.5). Also, direct electrical stimulation of the brain had a significant effect on reducing the response time of tinnitus and the correct response of tinnitus by aerobic trainers. Also, the study of the difference in stimulation position showed that Anodal stimulation is more effective than other stimulation positions (P≤0.05).

It seems that transcranial electrical stimulation of the brain can be used to maintain concentration and manage the attention of the aeronaut (that is, they have awareness and control at any moment and their attention is best directed to the signals related to the goal).