Modulating Prestimulus Alpha and Beta Power with tRNS Establishes Their Causal Role in Visual Perception

Variability in visual perception in response to consistent stimuli is a fundamental phenomenon linked to fluctuations in prestimulus low-frequency neural oscillations--particularly in the alpha (8-13 Hz) and beta (13-30 Hz) bands--typically measured by their power in electroencephalography (EEG) signals. However, the causal role of these prestimulus alpha and beta power fluctuations in visual perception remains unestablished. In this study, we investigated whether prestimulus alpha and beta power causally affect visual perception using transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS). In a sham-controlled, single-blind, within-subject design, 29 participants performed a visual detection task while receiving occipital tRNS. Online functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to measure cortical excitability during stimulation, and offline EEG signals were collected after stimulation. Mental fatigue was incorporated as a state-dependent factor influencing tRNS effects. Our findings demonstrate that, primarily under low fatigue states, tRNS increased cortical excitability during stimulation (indicated by increased fNIRS oxyhemoglobin amplitude), decreased subsequent prestimulus EEG alpha and beta power, and consequently reduced the visual contrast threshold (VCT), indicating enhanced visual perception. Sensitivity analysis revealed that alpha oscillations contributed more significantly to visual perception than beta oscillations under low fatigue. Additionally, the state-dependent effects of tRNS may result from different sensitivities of VCT to neural oscillations across fatigue states. These results provide causal evidence linking prestimulus alpha and beta power to visual perception and underscore the importance of considering brain states in neuromodulation research. Our study advances the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception and suggests potential therapeutic applications targeting neural oscillations. Significance statementUnderstanding why we perceive identical visual stimuli differently is a fundamental question in neuroscience. This study provides causal evidence that prestimulus alpha and beta neural oscillations directly influence visual perception, particularly under low mental fatigue state. By using tRNS alongside fNIRS and EEG recordings, we demonstrate that modulating neural excitability can alter perceptual outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of considering brain state--such as fatigue levels--in neuromodulation research. This work advances our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying visual perception and opens avenues for developing targeted interventions to enhance sensory processing and cognitive functions, potentially benefiting individuals with perceptual or attentional disorders.