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Updated: Feb 27, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Targeted Memory Reactivation During Sleep, But Not Wake, Enhances Sensorimotor Skill Performance: A Pilot Study
Brian P Johnson1, Steven M Scharf2, Kelly P Westlake1
1a Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science , University of Maryland , Baltimore.
Abstract:
The benefits of sleep on memory consolidation have been enhanced for declarative and motor sequence learning through replaying classically conditioned auditory stimuli during sleep, known as targeted memory reactivation (TMR). However, it is unknown if TMR can influence performance of a sensorimotor skill, in the absence of the cognitive requirements of sequence learning. Here, young adults performed a nondominant arm throwing task separated by a full night of sleep or a full day of wake, with half of all participants receiving TMR between sessions. Participants who received TMR during sleep demonstrated enhanced sensorimotor performance relative to all other groups. In conclusion, this pilot study indicates that it is feasible to influence sensorimotor skill performance through TMR during sleep and may serve as a future adjunct to physical rehabilitation. Future studies will aim to confirm the present results with a larger sample size as well as investigate the effects of TMR during sleep on older adults both with and without a history of stroke.
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