Practice makes plasticity: 10-Hz rTMS enhances LTP-like plasticity in musicians and athletes

Abstract

Motor skill learning has been linked to functional and structural changes in the brain. Musicians and athletes undergo intensive motor training through the practice of an instrument or sport and have demonstrated use-dependent plasticity that may be subserved by long-term potentiation (LTP) processes. We know less, however, about whether the brains of musicians and athletes respond to plasticity-inducing interventions, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), differently than those without extensive motor training. In a pharmaco-rTMS study, we evaluated motor cortex excitability before and after an rTMS protocol in combination with oral administration of D-cycloserine (DCS) or placebo. In a secondary covariate analysis, we compared results between self-identified musicians and athletes (M&As) and non-musicians and athletes (non-M&As). Three TMS measures of cortical physiology were used to evaluate plasticity. We found that M&As did not have higher baseline corticomotor excitability. However, a plasticity-inducing protocol (10-Hz rTMS in combination with DCS) strongly facilitated motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) in M&As, but only weakly in non-M&As. Placebo and rTMS produced modest facilitation in both groups. Our findings suggest that motor practice and learning create a neuronal environment more responsive to plasticity-inducing events, including rTMS. These findings may explain one factor contributing to the high inter-individual variability found with MEP data. Greater capacity for plasticity holds implications for learning paradigms, such as psychotherapy and rehabilitation, by facilitating LTP-like activation of key networks, including recovery from neurological/mental disorders.

Effect of high-frequency (5Hz) rTMS stimulating left DLPFC combined with galantamine on cognitive impairment after ischemic stroke and serum homocysteine and neuron-specific enolase

“…Another possible mechanism by which transcranial magnetism improves cognitive function is the mechanism of long-term enhanced plasticity. Transcranial magnetism in healthy musicians and athletes can improve learning and exercise performance by promoting LTP-like activation of key networks ( 51 ). Li et al’s ( 52 ) study showed that using transcranial magnetic stimulation at a frequency of 20 Hz to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of Alzheimer’s patients significantly increased the amplitude of motor evoked potentials at different time periods, with a significant difference in change rate compared to the control group.…”

Intermittent theta burst stimulation to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex improves cognitive function in polydrug use disorder patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…The stimulator device was a CCY-I TMS instrument with a Cool-B80 butterfly coil (Yiruide Co., Wuhan, China). By reviewing relevant literature, about the use of 10 Hz rTMS, there was stimulation for 1.5 s with intervals of 58.5 s ( 16 ) and stimulation for 4 s with intervals of 26 s ( 17 ). In our study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of the 10 Hz rTMS and the iTBS; hence, the same number of pulses (900 pulses) was used.…”

The Use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Attention Optimization Research: A Review from Basic Theory to Findings in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Depression

“…Depending on the stimulation frequency, rTMS can either increase or decrease the excitability of the stimulated brain region [ 48 ]. High-frequency rTMS can enhance synaptic strength and excitability, potentially leading to long-term potentiation (LTP)—a mechanism associated with learning and memory [ 49 ]. Spatial and temporal specificity: The effects of TMS depend on factors such as the intensity, frequency, and duration of the magnetic pulses.…”

“…Focal stimulation: TMS allows for focal stimulation of specific brain regions depending on the coil’s placement. Effects on synaptic plasticity: TMS has been shown to induce changes in synaptic plasticity, influencing the strength of connections between neurons [ 49 ]. This can lead to both short-term and long-term effects on neural circuits.…”