These studies test the hypothesis that sensory areas of the brain participate in the consolidation of speech motor memory by using transcranial magnetic stimulation to suppress activity in somatosensory and auditory cortex following adaptation in order to block retention of learning.
Subjects will train using either altered somatosensory feedback or altered auditory feedback (different groups of subjects). Immediately following adaptation, continuous theta burst magnetic stimulation (cTBS) will be applied to either auditory or somatosensory or motor cortex with the goal of blocking consolidation of motor memory. The logic of applying cTBS to both sensory areas is to test the hypothesis that both areas are involved in motor memory consolidation. Subjects leave the laboratory following cTBS and return 24 hours later to assess retention of learning. Learning is assessed as percentage change in speech sounds or movements relative to baseline. Retention is measured on a 0 to 100 scale relative to the end of learning.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
160
Sensorimotor adaptation in speech
continuous theta-burst stimulation
McGill University
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Motor Learning
Learning is assessed as percentage change in speech sounds (speech formant frequencies) or movements (movement curvature) relative to baseline.
Time frame: Performance as measured at the end of learning (30 minute session)
Retention of Learning
Retention is measured on a 0 to 100 scale relative to the end of learning.
Time frame: 24 hours after learning (re-test lasts 30 minutes)
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