Applications of cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation for age-related declines of hand function
Department
Exercise Science and Sport Management
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2023
Abstract
Neuroplasticity is a broad term that refers to our nervous system's ability to adapt and modify its function throughout life. This learning process occurs as a function of experience, pain, pharmacological intervention and more. The work by Casarotto, Dolfini, Fadiga et al. (2023) in The Journal of Physiology investigates a part of this learning process referred to as Hebbian plasticity. Briefly, Hebbian plasticity can be summarized by the statement, ‘Neurons that fire together, wire together.’ This process of learning results from modifying communication between neurons (Hebb, 1949). Further, the elucidation of this process laid the groundwork for later study of long-term potentiation which is a strengthening of neuronal connections, and long-term depression which is a weakening of neuronal connections. These general synaptic ‘learning’ rules govern the more refined version of Hebbian principles, known as spike-timing-dependent plasticity.
Journal Title
Journal of Physiology
Journal ISSN
00223751
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.1113/JP285692