6533b85dfe1ef96bd12bee69

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Understand and optimize mental strategies during motor learning

subject

description

Motor imagery-based motor learning, also known as mental practice, can improve motor performance. However, questions remain concerning the mechanisms involved in mental practice, at the neurophysiological and behavioral levels. In a first study, we show an increase of short-interval intracortical inhibition during motor imagery, supporting the hypothesis that motor imagery induces the generation of an inhibited motor command. In a second study, we show modulations in functional connectivity between the cerebellum and the primary motor cortex following a mental practice session, corroborating at the neurophysiological level the hypothesis of the involvement and updating of internal models after practice. In a third study, we show specific motor gains between physical and mental practices with regards to movement smoothness, and suggest the absence of sensory feedback during mental practice as a possible cause of such distinction. In a fourth and final study, we investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on motor acquisition and consolidation induced by mental practice. The results show a positive effect of exercise on motor consolidation, suggesting that aerobic exercise could optimize mental practice protocols.