On the role of the SMA in the discrete sequence production task: a TMS study

Abstract

Participants practiced two discrete six-key sequences for a total of 420 trials. The 1×6 sequence had a unique order of key presses while the 2×3 sequence involved repetition of a three-key segment. Both sequences showed a long interkey interval halfway the sequence indicating hierarchical sequence control in that not only the 2×3 but also the 1×6 sequence was executed as two successive motor chunks. Besides, the second part of both sequences was executed faster than the first part. This supports the earlier notion of a motor processor executing the elements of familiar motor chunks and a cognitive processor triggering either these motor chunks or individual sequence elements. Low-frequency, off-line transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the supplementary motor area (SMA) counteracted normal improvement with practice of key presses at all sequence positions. Together, these results are in line with the notion that with moderate practice, the SMA executes short sequence fragments that are concatenated by other brain structures.