Event Abstract Back to Event Motor skill learning is accompanied by changes of neuronal network dynamics in the theta and high-gamma range Stefan Dürschmid1*, Fanny Quandt1, Ulrike Krämer2, Hermann Hinrichs1, Reinhard Schulz3, Heinz Pannek3, Edward F. Chang4, Robert T. Knight2 and Jochem W. Rieger1, 2 1 Otto-von-Guericke University, Germany 2 University of California at Berkeley, United States 3 Epilepsiezentrum Bethel, Germany 4 University of California at San Francisco, United States Motor skill learning is a process in which performance improves. It is assumed that during motor learning an executive program emerges by tuning the underlying neural network. We investigated changes of phase-amplitude cross-frequency coupling (paCFC) in neuronal networks during motor skill learning. We recorded intracranially from subdural electrodes (ECoG) while 5 patients learned 3 motor tasks all requiring coordination of finger movements with an external cue (finger tapping, auditory motor control, go/no-go). During the course of the first training block performance improved in all patients and tasks. Locally (within electrode), the trial-by-trial Trough-to-Peak-Ratio (TPR) in the theta and high gamma range covaried with behavior. Electrodes showing this covariation (Pearson´s r ranging up to .4, p < .05) were located contralateral to the limb performing the task and were observed in motor and temporal brain regions. Importantly, we found constant TPRs when performance reached a stable level in later blocks. Moreover, motor skill learning was accompanied by changes in network topology. Long and short range connections in the theta and the high gamma range are reshaped during learning, as indicated by frequency specific changes of connection strength. Between electrode phase locking indices (pl) increased slowly in the theta range, while pls of high gamma activity decreased exponential during the first 2 blocks. In sum, our results indicate that motor skill learning is accompanied by local and global adjustments of dynamics and topology of neuronal network interactions in the theta and high gamma range. The location of the involved electrodes close to or in motor cortex supports a memory formation process. Keywords: ECoG, Learning Conference: XI International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON XI), Palma, Mallorca, Spain, 25 Sep - 29 Sep, 2011. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Poster Sessions: Neural Bases of Memory and Learning Citation: Dürschmid S, Quandt F, Krämer U, Hinrichs H, Schulz R, Pannek H, Chang EF, Knight RT and Rieger JW (2011). Motor skill learning is accompanied by changes of neuronal network dynamics in the theta and high-gamma range. Conference Abstract: XI International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON XI). doi: 10.3389/conf.fnhum.2011.207.00414 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 24 Nov 2011; Published Online: 28 Nov 2011. * Correspondence: Dr. Stefan Dürschmid, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany, stefan.duerschmid@googlemail.com Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Stefan Dürschmid Fanny Quandt Ulrike Krämer Hermann Hinrichs Reinhard Schulz Heinz Pannek Edward F Chang Robert T Knight Jochem W Rieger Google Stefan Dürschmid Fanny Quandt Ulrike Krämer Hermann Hinrichs Reinhard Schulz Heinz Pannek Edward F Chang Robert T Knight Jochem W Rieger Google Scholar Stefan Dürschmid Fanny Quandt Ulrike Krämer Hermann Hinrichs Reinhard Schulz Heinz Pannek Edward F Chang Robert T Knight Jochem W Rieger PubMed Stefan Dürschmid Fanny Quandt Ulrike Krämer Hermann Hinrichs Reinhard Schulz Heinz Pannek Edward F Chang Robert T Knight Jochem W Rieger Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.