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Updated: May 8, 2026
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Combined Shuttle-Box Training with Electrophysiological Cortex Recording and Stimulation as a Tool to Study Perception and Learning
Published on: October 22, 2015
Paired associative stimulation enforces the communication between interconnected areas
Domenica Veniero1, Viviana Ponzo, Giacomo Koch
1Santa Lucia Foundation Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.
Summary
Paired associative stimulation (PAS) modifies brain connectivity. Opposite plasticity effects (LTD/LTP) between the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and primary motor cortex (M1) correlate with distinct changes in alpha and beta band coherence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Motor Control
Background:
- Paired associative stimulation (PAS) induces spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) in interconnected cortical areas.
- Assessing PAS effects typically focuses on motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in the primary motor cortex (M1), limiting understanding of broader network impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate PAS effects on both the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and M1 using combined transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG).
- To explore how PAS modulates functional connectivity between PPC and M1.
Main Methods:
- Implemented PAS protocols with varying temporal delays between TMS pulses applied to PPC and M1.
- Recorded TMS-evoked potentials (TEPs) and MEPs to assess plasticity.
- Analyzed EEG data for changes in local oscillatory power and inter-regional coherence (PPC-M1).
Main Results:
- TEPs showed differential changes linked to MEP-assessed long-term depression (LTD) or long-term potentiation (LTP), but PPC activity remained unchanged.
- No significant alterations in local oscillatory power were observed.
- A notable increase in coherence between PPC and M1 was detected.
- LTD was associated with increased beta band coherence, while LTP correlated with increased alpha band coherence between PPC and M1.
Conclusions:
- Corticocortical PAS induces opposite STDP-like effects accompanied by enhanced communication between brain regions.
- Distinct forms of STDP-like plasticity manifest as specific alterations in alpha and beta band connectivity between PPC and M1.
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