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Título

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW BETWEEN NEUROMODULATION, EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS AND OBESITY: IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP?

Resumo

The brain is more sensitive to oxidative stress than other organs. Oxidative stress and inflammatory processes can negatively affect cognitive functions. The cumulative effect can potentially impact deterioration, especially of executive functions. OBJECTIVE: to verify the results of neuromodulation on the performance of executive functions when applied to overweight or individuals with obesity. METHODS: This is a systematic review article based on articles selected from PubMed, ScienceDirect, BIREME, and Web of Science databases. The search was performed
using the following combination of descriptors: (“problem solving” OR “executive function” OR memory) AND (tDCS OR TMS) AND obesity. Only controlled and/or randomized clinical trials published in any language between 2011 and May 31th, 2022, were analyzed using the PICOS strategy. The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under registration number CRD42.021.261.770. RESULTS: Using the descriptors mentioned, 763 articles were identified in the databases defined for the search. After selecting and analyzing the works found, 08 articles were selected. The number of people included in the eight selected studies was 301 participants. The majority were female (235 participants), with an average of 30.1 participants per study. The global nutritional status varied between low weight and grade 3 obesity, by the selected studies of 28.1 kg/m2. Regarding the type of stimulation modality, the proportion between non-invasive neuromodulation strategies as a form of treatment was 75% (n=6) with tDCS and 25% (n=2) with EMT. Regarding the relationship between age and performance of executive functions, a study with older participants demonstrated the go/no-go task and the reduction of food desire. Differently, in a survey with young patients, an increase in the consumption of calories and a worse performance in the flanker paradigm task were demonstrated. It should be noted that both used the same target (anodic at F3) but in different modalities: electrical and magnetic, respectively. Furthermore, it improved the performance of the executive functions of the participants, especially in the groups of subjects with overweight or obese. CONCLUSION: The use of non-invasive neuromodulation has consistently reduced food cravings, especially for sweet foods, and fast food, and at the same time improved executive functions.

Palavras Chave

Systematic Review; Neuropsychology; Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Obesity Management