¹The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hogn Kong, Hong Kong, SAR of China

Background: Transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that utilizes shockwaves to modulate brain function. Preliminary evidence suggests that TPS has a potential therapeutic effect on depressive symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and major depressive disorder (MDD).

Aims & Objectives: In this talk, I will present several trials that investigate the effects of TPS on human behavior and its underlying neural correlates.

Method: In one study, we targeted the primary motor cortex aiming to examine TPS effects on motor performance using the Nine-hole peg test (NHPT), a standard test for measuring manual dexterity. The study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, crossover trial, applying a single session of 1000 TPS pulses to the primary motor cortex.
I will then go on to present results from a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled TPS trial in MDD. We targeted the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (MNI coordinates x=-38, y=+44, z=+26 mm, defined on individual T1-weighted MRIs). TPS treatment involved 3 TPS sessions per week for 4 weeks, with 1000 pulses per session. Depressive symptom reduction, as well as response and remission rates were assessed using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale.
In the last part of my talk, I will outline a recently commenced RCT that aims to examine the behavioral effects of stimulating deeper cortical regions such as bilateral anterior insular cortex and bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. This research aims to unveil the utility of alternative treatment targets for depression and other psychiatric disorders.

Results: Results will be presented during the talk.

Discussion & Conclusions: TPS is a highly promising non-invasive brain stimulation treatment approach for depression.