ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines non-invasive brain stimulation – a key methodology to explore brain plasticity and excitability and to establish causal involvement of a particular group of neurons in cognitive processes via their temporary activation or inhibition. First, we introduce the historical development of transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial electric stimulation and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. Second, we summarize their parameters and how to correctly apply them; next, the advantages, differences and limitations of these methods are highlighted. Finally, we discuss the importance of non-invasive brain stimulation methods for verification of theories in embodied cognition research and review their clinical and research applications in various populations.
