title: Motor sequence learning-induced neural efficiency in functional brain connectivity.
abstract: Previous studies have shown the functional neural circuitry differences before and after an explicitly learned motor sequence task, but have not assessed these changes during the process of motor skill learning. Functional magnetic resonance imaging activity was measured while participants (n=13) were asked to tap their fingers to visually presented sequences in blocks that were either the same sequence repeated (learning block) or random sequences (control block). Motor learning was associated with a decrease in brain activity during learning compared to control. Lower brain activation was noted in the posterior parietal association area and bilateral thalamus during the later periods of learning (not during the control). Compared to the control condition, we found the task-related motor learning was associated with decreased connectivity between the putamen and left inferior frontal gyrus and left middle cingulate brain regions. Motor learning was associated with changes in network activity, spatial extent, and connectivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA. Electronic address: hek26@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Helmet T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Karim
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA. Electronic address: huppertt@upmc.edu.
authors.forename: Theodore J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Huppert
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA. Electronic address: kiericks@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Kirk I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA. Electronic address: mew83@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Mariegold E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Wollam
authors.affiliation: Departments of Physical Therapy and Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA. Electronic address: psparto@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Sparto
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA. Electronic address: esejdic@ieee.org.
authors.forename: Ervin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sejdić
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA. Electronic address: jessievs@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Jessie M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: VanSwearingen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D001931:Brain Mapping; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009434:Neural Pathways / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen
keywords: Functional connectivity; Motor learning; Motor skill; gPPI