Synergy patterns of brain activity during learning of the dart throwing skill with the dominant and non-dominant hand

Abstract

The mechanism and neural origin of the differences between the two hands in motor control and learning are still unknown. The aim of the present research is to examine the changes in synergy patterns in different brain regions while learning the dart throwing skill with the dominant and non-dominant hand. The sample population consisted of 10 students aged 23±2.5 divided into two groups of dominant and non-dominant hand. To record brain activities, a 32-channel wireless Electro-encephalography (EEG) system was used. Data were recorded through three stages of pre-test (pre-training), acquisition (after 4 weeks of training) and retention (after one week of non-training). EEG signals were analysed in alpha, beta and gamma bands. EEG analysis showed that the synergy patterns during acquisition and retention stages were significantly similar to each other and largely different from the pre-training stage in all three bands. Increasing activity levels of the contralateral cortical areas and formation of a different activity pattern after learning in the two groups, were other results obtained. Learning a new motor skill requires relatively lasting changes in the brain map and synergy patterns of brain activities are different for motor learning when the dominant or non-dominant hand is used.

Keywords: Brain activity; Dart throwing; Motor learning; Motor skills; Synergy patterns