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Bereitschaftspontential during the acquisition of a skilled motor task
Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|November 1, 1978
Summary
This study shows that the readiness potential (Bereitschaftspotential, BP) changes during motor skill learning. The BP size and location systematically adapt as individuals improve their performance on a new task.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Readiness potential (Bereitschaftspotential, BP) research traditionally uses simple, non-learning tasks.
- Existing research has not extensively explored BP changes during the acquisition of complex motor skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the size and cortical distribution of the BP change during the learning of a skilled motor task.
- To determine the relationship between BP alterations and performance improvements in motor learning.
Main Methods:
- Twelve subjects performed a 6-button press sequence task.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded using DC amplifiers at electrodes FZ, CZ, C3'', and C4''.
Main Results:
- The BP increased at all electrodes as response times decreased (performance improved).
- After performance plateaued, BP at FZ and C4'' decreased, while CZ and C3'' remained stable.
- Multivariate analyses confirmed a relationship between response time improvements and BP changes.
Conclusions:
- The size and cortical distribution of the BP are dynamically related to motor skill acquisition.
- BP changes reflect the neural adaptations occurring during the learning of a new motor response.