Concurrent M1 anodal and cerebellar cathodal tDCS enhances acquisition
of a dexterous rhythmic-timing videogame skill
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain
stimulation technique that can alter the excitability of targeted brain
regions and influence motor learning. This study investigates the
effects of concurrent M1 anodal and cerebellar cathodal tDCS (M1a+CBc)
on motor learning in a complex rhythm-timing video game task. Forty-two
participants practiced the game with their non-dominant hand while
receiving either M1a+CBc (n = 24) or sham tDCS (n = 18). Performance was
assessed using a performance index (PI) incorporating keystroke timing
accuracy, tap distribution ratio, and key error rate. A 2 x 5 mixed
ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of stimulation group on PI gain
scores across practice blocks (P = 0.021, ηp2 = 0.126), with M1a+CBc
showing greater gains than sham. An ANCOVA, controlling for baseline
performance, showed that the M1a+CBc group had significantly higher
post-test PI scores compared to the sham group (P = 0.034, ηp2 = 0.110).
These results suggest that concurrent M1a+CBc tDCS significantly
enhances motor learning in complex tasks.