Train the Brain: Novel Electroencephalography Data Indicate Links between Motor Learning and Brain Adaptations

Abstract

EEG differences were examined between part and whole practice in the learning of a novel motor task. Recording was done at 4 sites (i.e., O1, O2, C3, and C4) on 30 participants who performed a novel mirror star tracer task. Individuals were randomly assigned to 3 groups: whole practice, part practice, and control (no practice). Whole practice is defined as practicing a skill in its entirety. Part practice is defined as practicing separate, independent parts of the skill, and gradually combining those parts with parts that are dependent on one another. Each group was assessed during a pretest and posttest. EEG data was analyzed using a 2×2×2×3 (trials×hemisphere×site×practice) repeated measures mixed model ANOVA for each of the wave bands (lower alpha, upper alpha, lower beta, upper beta). All participants performed the task faster as no practice effect was found across the three groups; however the part practice group exhibited a significant decrease in errors. Reduced activation in the occipital and central sites was observed for lower alpha in the posttest compared to the pretest, for all participants. Hemispheric differences were present for all wavebands, with greater activation in the left hemisphere independent of practice type. The results of our study indicate that task learning was likely associated with the observed changes in the lower alpha waveband. Further, a concomitant behavior between the hemispheric lateralization of alpha and beta waveforms was observed. These results have implications for athlete training and rehabilitation. They indicate the utility of EEG for learning assessment in athletes. They also indicate learning strategies with a partial movement focus may be a beneficial strategy to support the development of complex sport skills training and rehabilitation strategies focused on reacquisition of skills prior to sport reintegration.

Quantification of Movement-Related EEG Correlates Associated with Motor Training: A Study on Movement-Related Cortical Potentials and Sensorimotor Rhythms

“…These findings have been consistent in terms of a larger or smaller ERD magnitude for increases and decreases in excitability, respectively, however the specific frequency ranges in which these changes are observed differs. For a single session of motor training, it has been found that the power decreases during and after the training (Andres et al, 1999 ; Serrien and Brown, 2003 ; Domingues et al, 2008 ; Nakano et al, 2013 ; Kiefer et al, 2014 ); however, the opposite has also been reported (Etnier et al, 1996 ). For studies where a task is trained over several weeks, the power has been shown to both decrease (Kaiser et al, 2014 ; Borghini et al, 2016a ) and increase (Kerick et al, 2004 ; Borghini et al, 2016b ; Houdayer et al, 2016 ).…”

Gamma absolute power reveals activation of motor areas after hand immobilization

“…These results pointed to a relevant activation at central regions due its relation with sensorimotor areas. 6,11,38 Each hemisphere has specifics functions and contributes to motor control differently. The right hemisphere is characterized by use attention and sensory feedback to create spatial references, while the left hemisphere plays a role on movement planning and execution.…”

“…Moreover, EEG registers may be potentially useful in the measurement of athletic training and rehabilitation processes. 6 Specific Gamma in motor areas after hand immobilization Machado D accomplished through a research announcement posted in different Universities in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Exclusion criteria were mental or physical illnesses and the use of psychoactive or psychotropic substances during the entire period of the study.…”

Existe correlação entre atividade elétrica muscular e cerebral após treino com terapia de contensão do membro superior e tronco em sujeitos com acidente vascular encefálico?

“…10,11 Destacase a atividade alfa nas pesquisas em aprendizagem motora, pois consegue indicar se houve ou não aprendizado. 12 Ao se tratar de aprendizado motor, outro aspecto de extrema importância é a função muscular. Para tanto, a eletromiografia (EMG), o registro da atividade elétrica da musculatura esqueletica, 13 pode ser eficaz.…”