Neurostimulation Improves Mathematical Learning: Study Findings and Implications

Exciting a brain region using electrical noise stimulation can help improve mathematical learning in those who struggle with the subject, according to a new study from the Universities of Surrey and Oxford, Loughborough University, and Radboud University in The Netherlands.

The study focused on individuals with low levels of brain excitation towards math and found that electrical noise stimulation over the frontal part of the brain significantly improved their mathematical abilities. This novel approach could revolutionize personalized learning by targeting specific brain activity to enhance learning outcomes.

The research, led by Professor Roi Cohen Kadosh from the University of Surrey, involved 102 participants who were assessed on their mathematical skills before and after receiving electrical noise stimulation. The study revealed that those with lower brain excitation towards math showed enhanced learning outcomes after the stimulation, while no significant improvement was observed in those with high initial brain excitation or in the placebo groups.

Dr. Nienke van Bueren from Radboud University, who worked on the study, highlighted that individuals with lower brain excitability may be more receptive to noise stimulation, leading to improved learning outcomes. This finding suggests that personalized approaches to learning, based on individual brain activity, could be more effective in enhancing cognitive abilities.

The study’s results shed light on how neurostimulation can be most effective in improving learning outcomes and provide insights into the optimal timing and duration of its application. This research opens up new possibilities for tailored interventions to enhance learning and cognitive abilities in individuals who struggle with specific subjects like math.

Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of electrical noise stimulation to enhance learning outcomes in individuals with low brain excitation towards math, paving the way for more personalized and effective approaches to education and cognitive enhancement.