Early motor memory consolidation: Effects of 10 Hz and 20 Hz transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) over the left primary motor cortex (M1)

Question: Synchronized oscillatory activity predominantly at alpha (8 – 12 Hz) and beta (13 – 30 Hz) frequencies represents a key mechanism for motor control. But, the exact significance of these frequencies for motor learning and motor memory consolidation remains to be solved. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) allows the frequency specific modulation of cortical brain areas. The present study investigates the significance of 10 Hz and 20 Hz motor cortical oscillations for early consolidation of a newly learned motor sequence by means of tACS. Methods: 36 right-handed subjects participated in…