Prefrontal transcranial alternating current stimulation improves motor sequence reproduction
Monica B Berntsen1, Nicholas R Cooper1, Gethin Hughes1
1Centre for Brain Science, Department of Psychology, University of Essex, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom.
Behavioural Brain Research
|December 23, 2018
Summary
This study reveals that stimulating the prefrontal cortex enhances motor sequence reproduction. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) improved performance, highlighting the prefrontal cortex
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Motor Control
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Cortical activity in frontal, parietal, and motor areas during sequence observation correlates with reproduction performance, suggesting a role in learning.
- While causal links exist for M1 and parietal cortex in motor sequence tasks, the frontal lobe's specific role in encoding versus reproduction remains unclear.
- Investigating causal relationships is key to distinguishing the functions of different brain regions in motor sequence learning and execution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationships between activity in prefrontal, parietal, and primary motor cortex and motor sequence reproduction.
- To determine if specific cortical regions are selectively involved in encoding or reproduction of motor sequences during observation.
- To assess the impact of individually adjusted transcranial alternating current stimulation (IAF-tACS) on motor sequence reproduction.
Main Methods:
- A sensorimotor paradigm with a significant motor sequence component was employed.
- Individually adjusted transcranial alternating current stimulation (IAF-tACS) was applied to prefrontal, parietal, and primary motor regions.
- Electroencephalographic (EEG) motor rhythms (alpha and beta bandwidths) were recorded during sequence observation and reproduction.
Main Results:
- IAF-tACS reduced lower beta-range suppression across all stimulated regions compared to sham stimulation.
- Prefrontal IAF-tACS significantly improved motor sequence reproduction performance.
- No significant improvements were observed for parietal or primary motor cortex stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in the reproduction of motor sequences.
- IAF-tACS is a viable method for investigating causal links in sensorimotor control.
- Findings differentiate the roles of frontal, parietal, and motor cortices in motor sequence processing.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Motor Unit Stimulation
3.8K
When the neuron of a motor unit fires an action potential, it triggers a series of events, leading to a twitch contraction in the muscle fibers. The process of excitation-contraction coupling is crucial in relaying the action potential to the muscle fibers.
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
The latent period of contraction marks the onset of excitation-contraction coupling, when the action potential propagates across the sarcolemma, preparing the muscle fibers for contraction. As the fibers enter the contraction phase, the...
3.8K
01:27Reproductive Cloning
32.7K
Reproductive cloning is the process of producing a genetically identical copy—a clone—of an entire organism. While clones can be produced by splitting an early embryo—similar to what happens naturally with identical twins—cloning of adult animals is usually done by a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT).
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic...
Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer
In SCNT, an egg cell is taken from an animal and its nucleus is removed, creating an enucleated egg. Then a somatic...
32.7K
02:18Alternative RNA Splicing
25.2K
Alternative RNA splicing is the regulated splicing of exons and introns to produce different mature mRNAs from a single pre-mRNA. Unlike in constitutive splicing where a single gene produces a single type of mRNA, alternative splicing allows an organism to produce multiple proteins from a single gene and plays an important role in protein diversity.
There are five types of alternative RNA splicing that vary in the ways the pre-mRNA segments are removed or retained in the mature mRNA. The first...
There are five types of alternative RNA splicing that vary in the ways the pre-mRNA segments are removed or retained in the mature mRNA. The first...
25.2K
02:38Asexual Reproduction
37.4K
Asexual reproduction allows plants to reproduce without growing flowers, attracting pollinators, or dispersing seeds. Offspring are genetically identical to the parent and produced without the fusion of male and female gametes.
37.4K
01:31Overview of the Reproductive System
5.4K
The reproductive system generates offspring, ensuring the survival of the species. In humans, the reproductive system is complex and involves a variety of organs and hormones that work together to ensure successful reproduction.
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...
The gonads, or primary reproductive organs, produce gametes and sex hormones. In males, the testes produce spermatozoa and testosterone, which is responsible for developing secondary male sex characteristics, including a deeper voice, larger muscles, facial and body...
5.4K
01:16Null and Alternative Hypotheses
12.7K
The actual hypothesis testing begins by considering two hypotheses. They are termed the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis. These hypotheses contain opposing viewpoints.
The null hypothesis, denoted by H0 is a statement of no difference between the variables—they are not related. This can often be considered the status quo. As a result if you cannot accept the null, it requires some action.
The alternative hypothesis, denoted by H1 or Ha, is a claim about the...
The null hypothesis, denoted by H0 is a statement of no difference between the variables—they are not related. This can often be considered the status quo. As a result if you cannot accept the null, it requires some action.
The alternative hypothesis, denoted by H1 or Ha, is a claim about the...
12.7K