Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Motor Learning in a Complex Overhand Throwing Task

Abstract

Cerebellar transcranial direct current stimulation (c-tDCS) enhances motor adaptation, skill acquisition, and learning in relatively simple motor tasks. The purpose was to examine the influence of c-tDCS on motor learning in a complex overhand throwing task. Forty-two young adults were randomized to a c-tDCS group or a SHAM group and completed a practice session and a retention session. The practice session involved an overhand throwing task to a small target (6\xa0m away) in a pre-test block, 6 practice blocks, a post-test block, and a retention-test block (24\xa0h later). c-tDCS or SHAM was applied during overhand throwing in the practice blocks. The decline in endpoint error was greater for the tDCS group compared to SHAM at the end of practice (P\u2009=\u20090.019) and at retention (P\u2009=\u20090.003). The findings indicate that a single application of c-tDCS enhances motor learning in a complex overhand throwing task.