Motor skill learning is accompanied by changes of neuronal network dynamics in the theta and high-gamma range
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1
Otto-von-Guericke University, Germany
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2
University of California at Berkeley, United States
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3
Epilepsiezentrum Bethel, Germany
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4
University of California at San Francisco, United States
Motor skill learning is a process in which performance improves. It is assumed that during motor learning an executive program emerges by tuning the underlying neural network. We investigated changes of phase-amplitude cross-frequency coupling (paCFC) in neuronal networks during motor skill learning. We recorded intracranially from subdural electrodes (ECoG) while 5 patients learned 3 motor tasks all requiring coordination of finger movements with an external cue (finger tapping, auditory motor control, go/no-go). During the course of the first training block performance improved in all patients and tasks. Locally (within electrode), the trial-by-trial Trough-to-Peak-Ratio (TPR) in the theta and high gamma range covaried with behavior. Electrodes showing this covariation (Pearson´s r ranging up to .4, p < .05) were located contralateral to the limb performing the task and were observed in motor and temporal brain regions. Importantly, we found constant TPRs when performance reached a stable level in later blocks. Moreover, motor skill learning was accompanied by changes in network topology. Long and short range connections in the theta and the high gamma range are reshaped during learning, as indicated by frequency specific changes of connection strength. Between electrode phase locking indices (pl) increased slowly in the theta range, while pls of high gamma activity decreased exponential during the first 2 blocks. In sum, our results indicate that motor skill learning is accompanied by local and global adjustments of dynamics and topology of neuronal network interactions in the theta and high gamma range. The location of the involved electrodes close to or in motor cortex supports a memory formation process.
Keywords:
ECoG,
Learning
Conference:
XI International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON XI), Palma, Mallorca, Spain, 25 Sep - 29 Sep, 2011.
Presentation Type:
Poster Presentation
Topic:
Poster Sessions: Neural Bases of Memory and Learning
Citation:
Dürschmid
S,
Quandt
F,
Krämer
U,
Hinrichs
H,
Schulz
R,
Pannek
H,
Chang
EF,
Knight
RT and
Rieger
JW
(2011). Motor skill learning is accompanied by changes of neuronal network dynamics in the theta and high-gamma range.
Conference Abstract:
XI International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON XI).
doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2011.207.00414
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Received:
24 Nov 2011;
Published Online:
28 Nov 2011.
*
Correspondence:
Dr. Stefan Dürschmid, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany, stefan.duerschmid@googlemail.com