The Supplementary Motor Area as a Flexible Hub Mediating Behavioral and Neuroplastic Changes in Motor Sequence Learning: A TMS and TMS-EEG Study.
10.1007/s12264-025-01375-7
- Author:
Jing CHEN
1
;
Yanzi FAN
1
;
Xize JIA
1
;
Fengmei FAN
2
;
Jinhui WANG
3
;
Qihong ZOU
4
;
Bing CHEN
5
;
Xianwei CHE
6
;
Yating LV
7
Author Information
1. Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
2. Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing, 100096, China.
3. Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China.
4. Center for MRI Research, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
5. Jinghengyi Education College, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
6. Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China. xwcheswu@gmail.com.
7. Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China. lvyating198247@gmail.com.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroencephalogram;
Functional connectivity;
Intermittent theta burst stimulation;
Motor sequence learning;
Neuroplasticity
- MeSH:
Humans;
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation;
Motor Cortex/physiology*;
Male;
Electroencephalography;
Neuronal Plasticity/physiology*;
Female;
Adult;
Evoked Potentials, Motor/physiology*;
Young Adult;
Learning/physiology*
- From:
Neuroscience Bulletin
2025;41(5):837-852
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Attempts have been made to modulate motor sequence learning (MSL) through repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, targeting different sites within the sensorimotor network. However, the target with the optimum modulatory effect on neural plasticity associated with MSL remains unclarified. This study was therefore designed to compare the role of the left primary motor cortex and the left supplementary motor area proper (SMAp) in modulating MSL across different complexity levels and for both hands, as well as the associated neuroplasticity by applying intermittent theta burst stimulation together with the electroencephalogram and concurrent transcranial magnetic stimulation. Our data demonstrated the role of SMAp stimulation in modulating neural communication to support MSL, which is achieved by facilitating regional activation and orchestrating neural coupling across distributed brain regions, particularly in interhemispheric connections. These findings may have important clinical implications, particularly for motor rehabilitation in populations such as post-stroke patients.
