End-point robot for the discovery of the neural correlates of memory consolidation in the human brain

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Basic research helps in the understanding of how learning changes brain function and structure. At present it is not clear which brain regions are key for learning movements or for storing these memories. In part this lack of knowledge stems from not fully understanding how the brain changes with time after a movement is practiced. Past work has provided snapshots of how brain function may change after a new movement is practiced using magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. But because of the time delays associated with MRI this information does not explain how the brain might change in real time. At present we are capable of both measuring and altering patterns of brain activity associated with motor learning using electroencephalography (EEG) and non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation [TMS]) simultaneously. Critical for the success of this line of research is the ability to precisely control and index human movement in real time. Thus, the present proposal is for an End-Point robot, the KINARM, which enables the measurement of movement and force of both arms in 3-dimensional space as well as the manipulation of trajectories of movement via force motor resistance. This robot will allow precise measurement of arm movement during motor learning, and in combination with our existing brain measurement (e.g., EEG) and brain stimulation (e.g., TMS) systems, facilitate the comprehensive study of how brain function supports the formation of new motor memories.