Neural Control of Movement - Copenhagen > Research > Motorlearning and Neur...

Motor Learning and Neuroplasticity

The focus of the motor learning and neuroplasticity group is the acquisition and retention of motor skills. The purpose of our research is to gain insight in basic principles and mechanisms of motor learning, the neuroplastic changes in the central nervous system (CNS) underlying motor learning and the relationship between neuroplasticity and behavioral changes. A more applied goal of our research activity is to utilize knowledge of mechanisms in motor learning in order to improve the design of motor training and rehabilitation strategies.

Our work has primarily focused on the human motor system and the research involves experiments in healthy volunteers, but also motor learning in children, elderly people and motor learning in patients with neurological disorders.
In our approach to motor learning we focus on neuroplastic changes at multiple levels within the CNS from changes in cerebral cortex organization to changes at a spinal level.  In order to do so, we utilize and combine various electrophysiological and neuroimaging techniques in the context of well-defined hypothesis-driven investigations. The methods include among other transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroencephalography (EEG), peripheral nerve stimulation and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

Specific areas of our research include:

• Mechanisms of CNS plasticity underlying behavioral changes and improved motor function with learning
• Motor memory consolidation and interference effects in motor learning
• The role of feedback in motor learning
• Neuroplasticity related to injury and immobilization, and the role of motor learning in recovery of motor functions
• Motor learning in patients with neurological disorders
• Motor learning in children and elderly people

Goals of our research program:

• To gain insight in the mechanisms of neuroplasticity associated with learning
• To understand the relationship between behavioral changes and underlying neuroplastic changes within the CNS
• To design improved motor learning and rehabilitation strategies.

Research group members:
Jesper Lundbye-Jensen (Coordinator)
Mark Schram Christensen
Svend Sparre Geertsen
Jens Bo Nielsen
Tue Hvass Petersen
Marc Roig
Kasper Skriver