Disruption of somatosensory cortex impairs motor learning and retention

Abstract

This study uses noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation to test the contribution of somatosensory and motor cortex to human motor learning and retention. Continuous theta-burst stimulation is applied before learning; participants return 24 h later to assess retention. Disruption of the somatosensory cortex is found to impair both learning and retention, whereas disruption of the motor cortex has no effect on learning. The findings are consistent with the idea that motor learning is dependent upon learning-related plasticity in somatosensory cortex.