The neural correlates of motor memory consolidation in the human brain

运动学习的理论模型提出，熟练的练习诱发了运动内部模型的形成。内部模型发展的一个关键因素是将记忆从脆弱状态转移到更持久、更强健和更稳定的状态。这一过程的证据来自于一项研究，该研究表明，在熟练的动作练习之后，大脑中继续发生变化，这些变化既加强了运动学习的记忆，也改变了记忆。本建议的主要目的是阐明对运动记忆巩固过程至关重要的大脑区域网络。提出的研究计划在三个主要方面独特地推进了该领域过去的工作。首先，它强调了运动记忆巩固过程中脑区域活动的功能意义。与运动学习相关的神经网络的进化被广泛认为支持运动巩固。然而，仅仅因为巩固改变了大脑区域的激活，并不意味着该区域负责支持巩固。有可能一个大脑区域的变化是由另一个大脑区域驱动的。为了揭示支持巩固的大脑区域，首先有必要确定那些在巩固过程中被直接激活的区域。使用脑刺激（经颅磁刺激）来破坏激活区域的功能是一种方法，可以确定哪些区域对巩固至关重要。其次，研究运动记忆巩固的时间过程在不同脑区是否具有独特性。第三，它将检查运动记忆巩固是否需要半球间的相互作用。这项工作很重要，因为对记忆巩固的神经基础的更深入的理解将为概念模型的演变提供信息，说明内部模型是如何发展起来支持学习运动的。

Theoretical models of motor learning propose that skilled practice induces the formation of an internal model for movement. A key element in the development of internal models is the transference of memories from a fragile to a more permanent, robust and stable state. Evidence for this process stems from research that shows that following practice of skilled movements, changes continue to take place in the brain that both strengthen and modify memory for motor learning. The main aim of the present proposal is to elucidate the network of brain regions that are critical for the process of motor memory consolidation. The proposed program of research uniquely advances past work in this field in three main ways. First, it emphasizes the functional significance of regional brain activity during motor memory consolidation. Evolution of the network activated in association with motor learning is widely believed to support motor consolidation. Yet just because the activation of a brain area is changed by consolidation does not mean that area was responsible for supporting consolidation. It is possible that changes within one brain area were driven by another brain area. To reveal the brain regions supporting consolidation it is first necessary to identify those areas that are directly activated during consolidation. Using brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation) to disrupt the function of activated areas is one approach that allows the determination of which areas are essential for consolidation. Second, it will investigate whether the time course of motor memory consolidation is unique in different brain regions. Third, it will examine whether motor memory consolidation requires interhemispheric interactions. This work is important as greater understanding of the neural basis of memory consolidation will inform the evolution of conceptual models of how internal models are developed to support learned movements.