Simultaneous Brain–Cervical Cord fMRI Reveals Intrinsic Spinal Cord Plasticity during Motor Sequence Learning

PLoS Biology, 2015 · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002186 · Published: June 30, 2015

Simple Explanation

When learning a new motor skill, the brain forms new connections. This study investigates whether the spinal cord, the link between the brain and muscles, also undergoes changes during motor learning. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study simultaneously scanned the brain and cervical spinal cord of participants performing a motor sequence learning task. The findings suggest that the spinal cord exhibits local plasticity during motor learning and dynamically interacts with the brain during this process, indicating its role in skill acquisition and potential for rehabilitation after spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

25 healthy young adults

Evidence Level

Level 2: fMRI study

Key Findings

1
Greater BOLD activity was found within the C6–C8 levels of the ipsilateral spinal cord during a complex motor sequence learning task compared to a simple one.
2
The activity within this cervical cluster was modulated in association with behavioral improvements in performance.
3
The spinal cord becomes less synchronized with cortical sensorimotor areas and more negatively correlated with the anterior cerebellar cortex as learning progresses.

Research Summary

The study used simultaneous brain and cervical cord fMRI to investigate spinal cord plasticity during motor sequence learning. Results showed learning-related modulation of activity in the C6–C8 spinal region, independent from supraspinal sensorimotor structures. Functional connectivity analysis revealed a fading linear relationship between the spinal cord and sensorimotor cortex, with increased connectivity between spinal activity and the cerebellum.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

The findings suggest that the spinal cord is more plastic than previously thought, opening new avenues for rehabilitation strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries.

Motor Learning Models

Current models of motor sequence learning should be updated to include the active role of the spinal cord.

Brain-Spinal Cord Interaction

The study highlights the importance of considering the dynamic interaction between the brain and spinal cord during motor learning and rehabilitation interventions.

Study Limitations

1
The study acknowledges the challenges in spinal cord imaging due to its small size and physiological noise.
2
The spatial resolution of the fMRI data limits the precision in determining the exact location of activity within the cervical cord.
3
The extent to which motor learning can be completely decoupled from performance speed changes is limited.

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