Modulating motor learning with TMS (MoSeLNeP project)

Motor sequence learning (MSL) stands as a pivotal ability essential for acquiring new motor skills. It encompasses the process whereby a series of simple or complex movement elements seamlessly integrate into a unified action through repeated practice (Doyon, 2008). Long-term potentiation (LTP) plasticity is widely recognized as the primary mechanism driving motor skill acquisition (López-Alonso et al., 2015; Rioult-Pedotti et al., 2000; Ziemann et al., 2004). Previous research conducted in our laboratory has revealed that the TMS-induced LTP-like plasticity is contingent upon the excitability states of the endogenous sensorimotor μ-rhythm, which are reflected by the different phases of the μ-rhythm (Zrenner et al., 2018). It follows that the various phases of sensorimotor μ-rhythm may exert divergent influences on MSL performance. Consequently, my project aims to achieve two primary objectives: firstly, to examine the possibility of modulating implicit motor sequence learning (MSL) performance and the associated neuroplasticity through the application of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the primary motor cortex (M1) at different phases of the μ-rhythm. Secondly, to explore in greater depth the effects of μ-rhythm phase-triggered, network-targeted TMS, which involves targeting both the supplementary motor area (SMA) and M1. This investigation will focus on elucidating the impact of this targeted stimulation on SMA-M1 connectivity and its subsequent influence on implicit MSL performance, given the critical role of SMA-M1 connectivity in MSL processes.

Project contributors: Jing Chen with Dania Humaidan, Jiahua Xu, Andreas Jooß

Funding: European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (ConnectToBrain, ERC synergy grant agreement No. 810377)