Neural excursions from manifold structure explain patterns of learning during human sensorimotor adaptation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Science
• Motor Control

Background:

• Human motor learning abilities show significant individual variability.
• Neural dynamics operate within a low-dimensional subspace (manifold), constraining learning.
• Understanding the neural basis of motor learning variability is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if deviations from neural manifold structure explain individual differences in motor learning.
• To assess the relationship between neural excursion from the manifold and learning/relearning patterns.

Main Methods:

• Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to measure brain activity.
• Participants performed a sensorimotor adaptation task over two consecutive days.
• Neural activity was continuously monitored during the task.

Main Results:

• Greater neural excursion from the manifold in cognitive and sensorimotor networks correlated with learning differences.
• Off-manifold activity was associated with distinct patterns of learning and relearning across participants.
• Subject-level differences in neural excursion predicted variability in motor skill acquisition.

Conclusions:

• Off-manifold neural activity serves as an index for neural system engagement during motor learning.
• Variability in learning and relearning is linked to dynamic reconfiguration within cognitive and sensorimotor networks.
• Neural excursion from the intrinsic manifold is a key factor in individual motor learning differences.