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Metacontrol, Neurostimulation, & Personalized Care – Dr. Hommel & Dr. Colzato - #31 - Aug 30, 2025
Neurostimulation Podcast – Aug 30, 2025
Guests: Professor Bernhard Hommel & Professor Lorenza Colzato
Host: Dr. Michael Passmore
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Dr. Passmore is joined by Professors Hommel and Colzato to discuss their recent research on metacontrol—the brain’s ability to balance persistence and flexibility—and how it can be modulated using paired anodal tDCS and methylphenidate. The conversation explores the implications of reducing cortical noise, the significance of the aperiodic EEG exponent, and the potential for individualized, biomarker-guided neurostimulation treatments.
Key Topics:
Definition and importance of metacontrol in cognitive function
The spectrum between persistence and flexibility in the brain
Individual variability in cognitive control and its clinical relevance
The study: combining anodal tDCS over the right inferior frontal cortex with methylphenidate
Findings: reduction in cortical noise during task processing, indexed by a rise in the aperiodic EEG exponent (especially at fCZ)
Implications for ADHD, OCD, and other disorders affecting attention and cognitive control
The need for replication and standardization before clinical application
Cultural differences in treatment approaches (pharmacological vs. neurostimulation)
The future of personalized, feedback-driven neurostimulation and neurofeedback
Takeaways:
Metacontrol is a modifiable brain function, not just an abstract concept.
Combined tDCS and methylphenidate can reduce cortical noise during tasks, with the aperiodic exponent as a promising EEG marker.
The path to clinical application will require safety, individualization, and further research.
Links & Resources:
Study in Brain Stimulation Journal:
https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(25)00081-6/fulltext
Additional lab content and resources:
https://www.bernhard-hommel.eu/en
The Metacontrol Lab YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@metacontrol-2024
Disclaimer:
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not attempt brain stimulation or drug-device combinations outside of supervised clinical research.
Connect:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave your questions or comments below. Let us know what topics you’d like to hear about in future episodes!
View all episodes
By Dr. Michael PassmoreNeurostimulation Podcast – Aug 30, 2025
Guests: Professor Bernhard Hommel & Professor Lorenza Colzato
Host: Dr. Michael Passmore
Episode Overview:
In this episode, Dr. Passmore is joined by Professors Hommel and Colzato to discuss their recent research on metacontrol—the brain’s ability to balance persistence and flexibility—and how it can be modulated using paired anodal tDCS and methylphenidate. The conversation explores the implications of reducing cortical noise, the significance of the aperiodic EEG exponent, and the potential for individualized, biomarker-guided neurostimulation treatments.
Key Topics:
Definition and importance of metacontrol in cognitive function
The spectrum between persistence and flexibility in the brain
Individual variability in cognitive control and its clinical relevance
The study: combining anodal tDCS over the right inferior frontal cortex with methylphenidate
Findings: reduction in cortical noise during task processing, indexed by a rise in the aperiodic EEG exponent (especially at fCZ)
Implications for ADHD, OCD, and other disorders affecting attention and cognitive control
The need for replication and standardization before clinical application
Cultural differences in treatment approaches (pharmacological vs. neurostimulation)
The future of personalized, feedback-driven neurostimulation and neurofeedback
Takeaways:
Metacontrol is a modifiable brain function, not just an abstract concept.
Combined tDCS and methylphenidate can reduce cortical noise during tasks, with the aperiodic exponent as a promising EEG marker.
The path to clinical application will require safety, individualization, and further research.
Links & Resources:
Study in Brain Stimulation Journal:
https://www.brainstimjrnl.com/article/S1935-861X(25)00081-6/fulltext
Additional lab content and resources:
https://www.bernhard-hommel.eu/en
The Metacontrol Lab YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/@metacontrol-2024
Disclaimer:
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not attempt brain stimulation or drug-device combinations outside of supervised clinical research.
Connect:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave your questions or comments below. Let us know what topics you’d like to hear about in future episodes!