title: Dissociation of Neural Networks for Predisposition and for Training-Related Plasticity in Auditory-Motor Learning.
abstract: Skill learning results in changes to brain function, but at the same time individuals strongly differ in their abilities to learn specific skills. Using a 6-week piano-training protocol and pre- and post-fMRI of melody perception and imagery in adults, we dissociate learning-related patterns of neural activity from pre-training activity that predicts learning rates. Fronto-parietal and cerebellar areas related to storage of newly learned auditory-motor associations increased their response following training; in contrast, pre-training activity in areas related to stimulus encoding and motor control, including right auditory cortex, hippocampus, and caudate nuclei, was predictive of subsequent learning rate. We discuss the implications of these results for models of perceptual and of motor learning. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual predisposition in plasticity research and applications.
authors.affiliation: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H2A 3B4, Canada International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS), Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Holbeinstr 13-15, Bonn 53175, Germany.
authors.forename: Sibylle C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Herholz
authors.affiliation: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H2A 3B4, Canada International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS), Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.
authors.forename: Emily B J
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Coffey
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biomagnetism and Biosignalanalysis, University of Münster, Malmedyweg 15, Münster 48149, Germany.
authors.forename: Christo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pantev
authors.affiliation: Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 rue University, Montreal, Quebec H2A 3B4, Canada International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research (BRAMS), Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Zatorre
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001307:Auditory Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination / Q000502:physiology; D007600:Judgment / Q000502:physiology; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009146:Music; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: auditory cognition; auditory imagery; fMRI; music; neuroplasticity