Comparing the effects of focal and conventional tDCS on motor skill learning: A proof of principle study

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising intervention in clinical and behavioral neuroscience; however, the response variability to this technique has limited its impact, partly due to the widespread of current flow with conventional methods. Here, we investigate whether a more targeted, focal approach over the primary motor cortex (M1) is advantageous for motor learning and targeting specific neuronal populations. Our preliminary results show that focal stimulation leads to enhanced skill learning and differen-tially recruits distinct pathways to M1. This finding suggests that focal tDCS approaches may improve the out-comes of future studies aiming to enhance behavior.

Automated summary

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising intervention in clinical and behavioral neuroscience, but its impact is limited by response variability. Focal stimulation over the primary motor cortex (M1) enhances skill learning and activates distinct pathways to M1, suggesting that it may improve outcomes in future behavior enhancement studies.