The Effect of Frontopolar Cortical Cooling on Working Memory Capacity in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Abstract

Background: Since brain temperature fluctuations are related to cognitive disorders, regulating brain temperature has become a key focus in cognitive studies. This study examined the effect of frontopolar cortical cooling on working memory using a cortical thermal stimulation device (CTSD). Methods: This phase II, randomized, controlled trial included twenty participants randomly divided into two groups to receive 30 minutes of frontopolar cortical cooling across four sessions. The control group received sham cooling, while the intervention group received real cooling. Spatial working memory tests were recorded from both groups before and after the first and after the fourth sessions. The cortical thermal stimulation device used for cooling operates through the flow of water and alcohol in a closed loop.Results: After four sessions of frontopolar cortical cooling, a significant improvement in working memory was observed. The analysis of working memory results, based on an ANCOVA test, showed an improvement in the Spatial Working Memory (SWM) test in the intervention group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Considering the positive effect of frontopolar cortical cooling on working memory capacity, the results suggest that using an appropriate tool for cooling the cerebral cortex could become a practical approach in cognitive rehabilitation.

Keywords

• brain
• cognitive training
• humans
• memory
• temperature