Abstract
Background Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) offers a promising approach for treating depression. Scalp-based targeting methods, including EEG Cap, Beam F3, CPC F3, and adjusted Beam F3, have evolved to improve clinical application.
Obejectives To evaluate and compare the accuracy, reliability, speed, and training efficacy of these four methods.
Methods Three trained technicians conducted repeated DLPFC targeting measurements on 10 3D-printed head models. Accuracy was assessed by calculating targeting error and electric field strength at the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex anti-correlated peak. Reliability was evaluated through inter- and intra-rater variability, and training efficacy was examined by comparing targeting errors between trained technicians and novices.
Results CPC F3, Beam F3, and adjusted Beam F3 demonstrated comparable accuracy in terms of electric field strength, but CPC F3 had the lowest targeting error (4.2 mm). CPC F3 also exhibited the highest reliability (inter-rater variability at 3.3 mm, intra-rater variability at 2.3 mm). The EEG cap was the fastest method (80 seconds), while CPC F3 was faster than Beam F3 but slower than EEG Cap. No significant differences in targeting error between trained technicians and novices were noted with CPC F3 and adjusted Beam F3.
Conclusion The comparative analysis of four scalp-based targeting methods provides insights that can enhance clinical decision-making and the practical application. While accuracy among CPC F3, Beam F3, and adjusted Beam F3 was comparable, CPC F3 emerges as highly practical due to its significantly better reliability, training efficacy, moderate speed, and straightforward implementation.
Competing Interest Statement
The authors have declared no competing interest.
