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Updated: Jul 12, 2025
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Published on: March 4, 2014
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Changes in Cortical Microstructure of the Human Brain Resulting from Long-Term Motor Learning
Nico Lehmann1,2, Norman Aye3, Jörn Kaufmann4
1Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute III, Department of Sport Science, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg 39104, Germany nico1.lehmann@ovgu.de.
Summary
Human brain neuroplasticity involves neurite structural changes during motor skill learning. Advanced MRI revealed increased neurite complexity in motor areas, correlating with improved performance in a dynamic balancing task.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Motor Control
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Mechanisms of motor skill acquisition in humans remain unclear.
- Animal studies link motor learning to synaptic structural changes.
- Investigating human neuroplasticity during motor learning is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate neurite-specific neuroplasticity in humans during long-term motor learning.
- To explore the relationship between microstructural brain changes and behavioral improvements.
- To determine if structural modulation of neurites supports complex motor learning.
Main Methods:
- Recruited healthy adults (19-29 years) for a 4-week dynamic balancing task (DBT) training.
- Utilized advanced diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI) modeling.
- Measured tissue volume, neurite density, and neurite organizational complexity.
Main Results:
- Neurite orientation dispersion significantly increased during motor learning in sensorimotor, prefrontal, and motor cortices.
- Increased microstructural complexity correlated with behavioral improvements in the DBT.
- Changes in neurite complexity were independent of cortical thickness, tissue density, and myelin.
Conclusions:
- Structural modulation of neurites is a key mechanism for complex motor learning in humans.
- Neocortical microstructure reorganization supports motor memory formation.
- Advanced MRI techniques reveal behaviorally relevant neuroplasticity.
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