Working memory task.
Representation of different phases of one WM task trial in temporal order: Waiting Phase: A traffic light visualization is displayed, indicating the upcoming trial initiation; Coding + Retention Phase: TMS is synchronized with the beginning of the phase; Recall Phase: The blue arrows represent a completely correct trial execution. The time duration of recall phase is dependent on the subject’s performance.The WM task was organized in three phases: 1) Waiting phase: a visual cue was presented, indicating the start of the memorization activity; 2) Coding and retention phase: nine numbers (one to nine) were presented in a random arrangement within a 5 x 5 matrix; 3) Recall phase: the numbers disappeared, leaving a white background as a clue, and the participant recalls the number arrangement by selecting the matrix squares following an incremental order. The number of successfully remembered items was recorded as the hit-items. The task is completed either when the subject makes a mistake or when the entire task is completed correctly. The hit-items of each trial (0–9) were registered using the same program running the WM task.In order to synchronize an spTMS with the WM task in each trial, the task was composed of a coding and recall phase. In addition, in the recall phase, choices were not presented to rule out recognition and familiarity processes. This WM task was used to assess memorization capacity and complement the combined-stimuli intervention.