Each command to move the cursor in a particular instructions was combined with a special noise; after practicing, the individuals played the video game blindfolded and moved the cursor based on the sound cue alone.
After finishing a test round, the participants took a 90-minute nap. The researchers played half of the sound cues throughout the nap, reactivating the motor memories associated with each hint. After the nap, the participants performed the motions cued throughout sleep much better than the uncued ones: it took less time to move the cursor, the cursor took a trip a more direct path, and less unnecessary muscles were triggered. These results reveal we can improve the efficiency of new motor skills by reactivating memories during sleep. This technique might be a way to improve rehab for stroke or other neurological conditions.
Recommendation: “Memory Reactivation During Sleep Improves Execution of a Challenging Motor Skill” 18 October 2021, JNeurosci.DOI: 10.1523/ JNEUROSCI.0265-21.2021.
By Society for Neuroscience
October 18, 2021
This picture reveals the 4 EMG electrodes that were positioned on each arm. Individuals in the experiment learned to control a cursor by triggering different arm muscles. Credit: Cheng et al., JNeurosci 2021
Extra brain processing throughout sleep enhances knowing of new motor skills.
Practice makes ideal, but sleep assists, too. Learning and carrying out a new motor ability can be improved if you can get additional memory processing during sleep, according to brand-new research released in JNeurosci.
Researchers at Northwestern University compared how well participants carried out a difficult motor task with and without the extra processing throughout sleep. The participants played a video game using a myoelectric computer interface, which enabled them to move a cursor by triggering specific arm muscles. Each command to move the cursor in a specific direction was combined with a special noise; after practicing, the participants played the video game blindfolded and moved the cursor based upon the sound hint alone.
After the nap, the individuals performed the movements cued during sleep much better than the uncued ones: it took less time to move the cursor, the cursor took a trip a more direct path, and fewer superfluous muscles were triggered. These outcomes show we can enhance the efficiency of new motor skills by reactivating memories throughout sleep.