Dr. Charlotte Stagg, University of Oxford

Date/Time

Thursday, January 19, 2023, 16:00–17:30 (JST) (Jan. 19, 2023, 7:00–8:30 GMT)

Abstract

Oscillations and Inhibition: towards an understanding of the neurophysiology of motor learning

How we learn new motor skills, such as learning to play the piano or play tennis, is a question of fundamental importance to everyday life. It also has direct relevance to how we might re-learn to move our hands after a brain injury such as a stroke. However, the neuroplastic mechanisms supporting learning occur across multiple spatial and temporal scales; from the synapse to the network and from effects lasting seconds to those lasting months or even years, making understanding these processes complex.

Here, I will discuss recent studies from my group studying the physiological basis of motor plasticity in vivo, in particular how changes across a wide range of spatial scales may interact to support functional improvements. To this end we have combined advanced neuroimaging, including MR Imaging, MR Spectroscopy and MEG, with non-invasive brain stimulation in humans.

Taken together, these studies provide convergent evidence that changes in local and network-level inhibitory processing is a key component of motor learning. I will discuss how we can use the information gained to optimise non-invasive brain stimulation approaches with the ultimate aim of enhancing functional improvements post-stroke.

For inquiries

cbs-academic[at]ml.riken.jp