No supplementary effect of one session of transcranial direct current stimulation during motor sequence learning on 24-hour retention in healthy older adults

Abstract Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) may have a beneficial effect on 24-hour retention learning in healthy older adults, but so far existing studies are small and inconclusive. In addition, it is suggested that conventional tDCS montage (CONV-tDCS) produce relatively non-focal compared to high-definition (HD-tDCS). At present, unclear whether depends delivery montage. Hence, this project examined supplementary M1 during sequence (MSL) large sample adults. Fifty-two subjects practiced serial reaction time task (SRTT) while receiving 1 session 20 minutes CONV- or HD-tDCS double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled crossover design. Stimulation intensity was set at mA. As outcome, we studied SRTT times retention. We found successful (pre-retention: p<0.001 post-retention: p=1.000) gains performance (pre-post: p<0.001) irrespective active sham (p=0.604). Also, these effects were unaffected by (p=0.845). conclude there no surplus value adding one Future research focus multiple sessions MSL long-term other consolidation outcomes. Research Category Technology Methods Clinical Research: 9. Direct Current Keywords: tDCS, learning,