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Effects of low-gamma tACS on primary motor cortex in implicit motor learning
A Giustiniani1, V Tarantino2, R E Bonaventura2
1Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, Edificio 15, 90128 Palermo, Italy; NEUROFARBA Department, University of Firenze, Italy.
Behavioural Brain Research
|August 24, 2019
Summary
Low-gamma brain stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1) during motor learning increased susceptibility to interference. This 40 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) also reduced M1 cortical reactivity, with lasting effects.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Brain Stimulation
Background:
- Rhythmic activity in the gamma frequency band is observed in the primary motor cortex (M1) during movement.
- The role of high-gamma oscillations in M1 is known, but low-gamma's contribution remains unclear.
- Implicit motor learning involves sequence acquisition and retrieval.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of modulating the low-gamma frequency band in M1 on implicit motor learning.
- To determine if 40 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) influences motor learning and M1 cortical reactivity.
- To explore the specific contribution of low-gamma activity to motor sequence learning.
Main Methods:
- Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) at 40 Hz was applied over the left M1 during a serial reaction time task (SRTT).
- Participants performed sequential movement tasks interleaved with random blocks to assess sequence learning and interference.
- Sham and 1 Hz tACS served as controls; motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) measured M1 cortical reactivity pre- and post-stimulation.
Main Results:
- 40 Hz tACS slowed response times in sequence retrieval blocks after random interference, compared to sham and pre-tACS conditions.
- M1 cortical reactivity, measured by MEP amplitude, was reduced after 40 Hz tACS, indicating inhibition.
- Low-gamma stimulation uniquely produced lasting effects on M1 cortical reactivity.
Conclusions:
- Low-gamma tACS over M1 during motor learning enhances proactive interference, impairing sequence retrieval.
- 40 Hz tACS selectively inhibits M1 cortical reactivity, with effects persisting after stimulation.
- This study highlights the specific role of low-gamma oscillations in M1 during motor learning and its susceptibility to interference.
Keywords:
Gamma oscillationsMotor evoked potentials (MEP)Motor learningPrimary motor cortexSerial reaction time task (SRTT)Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)More Related Videos
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