Neuroplasticity and hand motor skill [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: A/Pr Michael Nordstrom (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Michael Ridding

Brief description Experience drives changes in the connections between neurons in the brain. This neuroplasticity is a fundamental property of the nervous system, critical for learning and memory, but also important for recovery from injury and development of some nervous system disorders. This study will improve understanding of how, with practice, the human brain adapts to functional demands in the development of motor skill. Musicians are used as exemplars of fine motor skill who show long-term experience-driven plasticity in the brain. This study will provide specific and detailed quantitative information about how motor cortex circuits important for control of the hand are altered in musicians. The study will also improve understanding of basic mechanisms involved in short-term neuroplasticity associated with motor learning in musicians and non-musicians, and hemispheric or training-related differences in these properties which may contribute to different abilities to use the hand for fine motor tasks.

Funding Amount $AUD 218,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant