Motor Learning

Lab Head: Professor John Rothwell

We investigate learning in 3 different ways:


1. Explore electrophysiological models of neural plasticity using techniques such as rTMS and TDCS to induce long lasting changes in cortical excitability. Theta burst stimulation reduces the excitability of the motor cortex for around 30 min in normal subjects. This is longer in patients with the DYT1 gene mutation who have dystonic symptoms, but is absent in DYT1 carriers who have no symptoms.

1. Explore electrophysiological models of neural plasticity using techniques such as rTMS and TDCS to induce long lasting changes in cortical excitability. Theta burst stimulation reduces the excitability of the motor cortex for around 30 min in normal subjects. This is longer in patients with the DYT1 gene mutation who have dystonic symptoms, but is absent in DYT1 carriers who have no symptoms.

2. Explore models of normal and pathological behavioural learning. Musicians dystonia is a good example of the latter

2. Explore models of normal and pathological behavioural learning. Musicians dystonia is a good example of the latter

3. Investigate the effect of rehabilitation on motor learning

3. Investigate the effect of rehabilitation on motor learning