Résumé
Working memory is a fundamental cognitive function enabling the temporary storage and manipulation of information. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has been shown to modulate neural activity and enhance working memory performance by synchronizing brain oscillations. However, its effectiveness is limited by inhomogeneous electric field distribution and discomfort due to electrode-skin contact. To overcome these limitations, transcranial alternating magnetic stimulation (tAMS) has emerged as an alternative. Unlike tACS, tAMS uses sinusoidal magnetic fields to induce electric fields in the brain, offering a more uniform distribution and deeper penetration into neural structures. This study aims to compare the effects of tACS and tAMS on working memory performance. Fifty healthy participants will be divided into five groups: two receiving tACS (40 Hz, 60 Hz), two receiving tAMS (40 Hz, 60 Hz), and a control group. Working memory will be assessed using the Sternberg task before, during, and after stimulation, while EEG recordings will capture electrophysiological modulations. Power spectral analysis and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) will be applied to examine brain activity changes. We hypothesize that tAMS will produce effects comparable to tACS while providing additional advantages, such as improved neural network modulation and greater participant comfort. If confirmed, these findings could support the use of tAMS as a promising tool for non-invasive cognitive enhancement and pave the way for its clinical applications in cognitive disorders.