Toward Reliable Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: Unraveling Sources of Variability
A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurosurgery and Neuroanatomy".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 246
Special Issue Editor
Interests: brain plasticity; transcranial magnetic stimulation; sensorimotor integration; TMS-EEG; non-invasive brain stimulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial electric stimulation (tES), are widely used to probe and modulate cortical functions. Yet, their effects remain highly variable across studies and individuals. This variability arises from multiple sources, including differences in stimulation parameters (e.g., intensity, waveform, frequency, coil/electrode positioning) and state-dependent factors such as ongoing brain activity and individual anatomy. Methodological heterogeneity, combined with inconsistent reporting practices, further complicates the reproducibility and comparability of findings. Increasing evidence suggests that both biological and technical factors interact to shape NIBS outcomes, underscoring the need for standardized protocols, individualized targeting strategies, and multimodal monitoring approaches. Nowadays, addressing these sources of variability is critical to improving the reliability, interpretability, and clinical translation of NIBS protocols and interventions.
The present Special Issue aims to showcase cutting-edge studies investigating variability in NIBS outcomes. As a common feature, the works in this Special Issue should focus on exploring the inter- or intra-subject variability of NIBS protocols (such as TMS, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, and focused ultrasound stimulation) to better ground the anatomo-functional underpinnings of these techniques and optimize their administration.
Contributions may adopt a neurophysiological, behavioral, or neurocomputational perspective, focusing on both the healthy and the damaged central nervous system. Research with null results is encouraged, provided they fit the topic and the investigation is methodologically sound. Studies integrating NIBS with neuroimaging (e.g., functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI], electroencephalography [EEG], magnetoencephalography [MEG]), behavioral paradigms, or machine learning approaches are welcome. Narrative reviews or meta-analyses that investigate the state of the art of this topic are welcome, too.
Dr. Giacomo Guidali
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- non-invasive brain stimulation
- transcranial electric stimulation (tES)
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- variability
- reproducibility
- neuroimaging
- machine learning
- precision neuromodulation
- individual differences
- protocol standardization
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
