Neural correlates of short-term somatosensory skill learning in healthy controls.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 170
ISBN-13: 9780494214138
Description: The specific neural substrates that underpin sensorimotor recovery following stroke remain poorly understood. Since the foundation of long-term sensorimotor recovery is believed to be rooted within short-term neural changes accumulated over time, it is therefore essential to acquire an initial understanding of the short-term cortical influences of skill learning. To provide a framework for future studies in stroke, the present studies examined the neural correlates of short-term skill learning in healthy subjects. A novel vibrotactile discrimination task appropriate for use with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was developed. Experimental results revealed that as skill improved there were significant changes in the spatial extent and intensity of cortical activation over a widely-distributed somatosensory-related neural network. Interestingly, contrasting cortical effects were revealed during periods of skill 'training' and 'testing', which may suggest important differences in the underlying neural processes subserving the acquisition and performance  of skill, respectively.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-03, page: 1489.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

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