Enhancing motor sequence learning by focalized transcranial direct current stimulation

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The ability to learn motor sequences is a crucial aspect of motor learning in the developing and adult brain and known to decline in normal aging and age-associated diseases. Motor learning is highly relevant for everyday life in work and leisure contexts. This project will thus specifically investigate the neural mechanisms and predictors underlying enhancement of this process by individualized, focal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). In the long-run, outcomes of this project will contribute to improving treatment of patients with neurological diseases (e.g., stroke, Parkinson´s disease) affecting motor learning, and requiring it in the context rehabilitation. Within the broader context of the RU, the present study is one of eight projects investigating tDCS effects on learning and memory formation across functional domains (Projects 1-8). The highly systematic and coordinated approach pursued by these empirical projects will allow for the first time analyzing the underlying neural mechanisms and predictors of behavioural stimulation response not only within each project, but also across different tasks and functional domains (in Project 9).The current project will contribute unique information on how tDCS modulates motor sequence learning, which primarily depends on cortico-striatal loops, thereby complementing the investigation of tDCS-induced enhancement of cerebellar-dependent motor learning in Project 6 (PI Timmann). Collectively, the results of the empirical projects of the RU will increase our current understanding of tDCS-induced neural network effects, their regional specificity and the mechanisms underlying inter-individual variability of stimulation effects. From a methodological point of view, data acquired in these projects will contribute to optimizing and validating biophysical models of current flow (in P9+10), thereby advancing future experimental and translational applications of tDCS in health and disease