Brain Polarization Enhances the Formation and Retention of Motor Memories

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, Maryland Submitted 2 March 2009; accepted in final form 13 April 2009 One of the first steps in the acquisition of a new motor skill is the formation of motor memories. Here we tested the capacity of tr...

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Published in:Journal of neurophysiology 2009-07, Vol.102 (1), p.294-301
Main Authors: Galea, Joseph M, Celnik, Pablo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Analysis of Variance
Attention - physiology
Electromyography - methods
Evoked Potentials, Motor - physiology
Female
Fingers - innervation
Functional Laterality - physiology
Humans
Male
Memory - physiology
Motor Cortex - physiology
Movement - physiology
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Random Allocation
Reaction Time - physiology
Time Factors
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation - methods
Young Adult
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Summary:Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, Maryland Submitted 2 March 2009; accepted in final form 13 April 2009 One of the first steps in the acquisition of a new motor skill is the formation of motor memories. Here we tested the capacity of transcranial DC stimulation (tDCS) applied over the motor cortex during motor practice to increase motor memory formation and retention. Nine healthy individuals underwent a crossover transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study designed to test motor memory formation resulting from training. Anodal tDCS elicited an increase in the magnitude and duration of motor memories in a polarity-specific manner, as reflected by changes in the kinematic characteristics of TMS-evoked movements after anodal, but not cathodal or sham stimulation. This effect was present only when training and stimulation were associated and mediated by a differential modulation of corticomotor excitability of the involved muscles. These results indicate that anodal brain polarization can enhance the initial formation and retention of a new motor memory resulting from training. These processes may be the underlying mechanisms by which tDCS enhances motor learning. Address for reprint requests and other correspondence: P. Celnik, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, 98 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 (E-mail: pcelnik{at}jhmi.edu )
ISSN:0022-3077
1522-1598
DOI:10.1152/jn.00184.2009