These authors have contributed equally to this work.
Version 1
: Received: 23 November 2021 / Approved: 24 November 2021 / Online: 24 November 2021 (09:18:16 CET)
Version 2
: Received: 8 February 2023 / Approved: 9 February 2023 / Online: 9 February 2023 (02:41:04 CET)
Szücs-Bencze, L.; Vékony, T.; Pesthy, O.; Szabó, N.; Kincses, T.Z.; Turi, Z.; Nemeth, D. Modulating Visuomotor Sequence Learning by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: What Do We Know So Far? J. Intell. 2023, 11, 201. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11100201
Szücs-Bencze, L.; Vékony, T.; Pesthy, O.; Szabó, N.; Kincses, T.Z.; Turi, Z.; Nemeth, D. Modulating Visuomotor Sequence Learning by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: What Do We Know So Far? J. Intell. 2023, 11, 201. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11100201
Szücs-Bencze, L.; Vékony, T.; Pesthy, O.; Szabó, N.; Kincses, T.Z.; Turi, Z.; Nemeth, D. Modulating Visuomotor Sequence Learning by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: What Do We Know So Far? J. Intell. 2023, 11, 201. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11100201
Szücs-Bencze, L.; Vékony, T.; Pesthy, O.; Szabó, N.; Kincses, T.Z.; Turi, Z.; Nemeth, D. Modulating Visuomotor Sequence Learning by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: What Do We Know So Far? J. Intell. 2023, 11, 201. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11100201
Abstract
Predictive processes and numerous cognitive, motor, and social skills depend heavily on sequence and statistical learning. The visuomotor Serial Reaction Time Task (SRTT) can measure these fundamental cognitive processes. In this review, we sought to answer whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is suitable for modulating visuomotor sequence learning and which factors mediate its efficacy. We systematically analyzed the eligible records (n = 17) that attempted to modulate the performance of the SRTT with rTMS. The purpose of the analysis was to determine how the following factors affected SRTT performance: (1) stimulated brain areas, (2) rTMS protocols, (3) stimulated hemisphere, (4) timing of the stimulation, (5) SRTT sequence properties, and (6) other methodological features. The primary motor cortex (M1) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were found to be the most promising stimulation targets. Low-frequency protocols over the M1 usually weaken performance, but the results are less consistent for the DLPFC. These inconsistencies (at least in part) may be due to the current frequency-based heuristics of rTMS effects developed for explaining local stimulation effects in the motor cortex. Although this review cannot provide an ultimate answer about the optimal stimulation and task parameters, it comprehensively discusses the behavioral effects of six factors that are crucial for designing future studies to modulate sequence learning with rTMS. Moreover, we conclude that synergistically combining functional neuroimaging with rTMS could adequately link the rTMS-induced network effects with the behavioral findings that are crucial to develop a unified cognitive model of visuomotor sequence learning.
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Commenter: Dezso Nemeth
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: Author