Induction of prediction error during memory reconsolidation strengthens recent motor skills

• Published in: Neuroscience 2023-09, Vol.527, p.84-91
• Main Authors: Borges Silva, Maristella, Torezan Silingardi Del Claro, Túlio, Barbosa Soares, Alcimar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Motor Learning; Motor Memory; Motor Skills; Reconsolidation
• ISSN: 0306-4522; 1873-7544
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.021

•Detection of prediction error is a determining condition for reactivating the recent motor memory.•The level of task variability influences the strengthening of recent motor memory.•The level of prediction error generated influences the reconsolidation process. This study investigated strategies based on the reconsolidation process to promote the strengthening effect of human motor memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of reactivating the memory of a newly acquired motor skill and performing interventions during its reconsolidation process on motor performance. Sixty healthy participants learned a new Sequential Visual Isometric Pinch Task – SVIPT during the first experimental session. In the second experimental session that was held on the same day, 6 hours after session 1, the participants were divided into 6 different groups. In session 2, there were distinctions between the experimental groups concerning two issues: the presence or absence of a formal memory reactivation session characterized by the execution of repetitions of the learned motor task and the execution of different types of interventions after reactivation (training with the original, slightly modified, or moderately modified motor task). All groups performed the third session to retest the learned motor skill, 24 hours after session 1. The results showed that using training with moderate task variability during memory reconsolidation provides greater motor skill performance gain when compared to repetitive training of the same learned task. Furthermore, performing a session exclusively dedicated to reactivation with the practice of the originally learned task was not a determining condition for recent motor memory reactivation, but rather the induction of prediction error during the reactivation.