Distinct contribution of the cortico-striatal and cortico-cerebellar systems to motor skill learning.

Full Abstract

This review paper focuses on studies in healthy human subjects that examined the functional neuroanatomy and cerebral plasticity associated with the learning, consolidation and retention phases of motor skilled behaviors using modern brain imaging techniques. Evidence in support of a recent model proposed by Doyon and Ungerleider [Functional Anatomy of Motor Skill Learning. In: Squire LR, Schacter DL, editors. Neuropsychology of Memory. New York: Guilford Press, 2002.] is also discussed. The latter suggests that experience-dependent changes in the brain depend not only on the stage of learning, but also on whether subjects are required to learn a new sequence of movements (motor sequence learning) or learn to adapt to environmental perturbations (motor adaptation). This model proposes that the cortico-striatal and cortico-cerebellar systems contribute differentially to motor sequence learning and motor adaptation, respectively, and that this is most apparent during the slow learning phase (i.e. automatization) when subjects achieve asymptotic performance, as well as during reactivation of the new skilled behavior in the retention phase.

Author information

Author/s: Doyon, Julien (J); Penhune, Virginia (V); Ungerleider, Leslie G (LG);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, PO Box 6128, Downtown Station, Montreal, Que, Canada H3C3J7. julien.doyon(-atsign-)umontreal.ca

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.; Review

Journal: Neuropsychologia (Neuropsychologia), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2003-; vol 41 (issue 3) : pp 252-62

Dates: Created 2002/11/29; Completed 2003/03/05; Revised 2009/11/11;

PMID: 12457751, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/11/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

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