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Effective Connectivity Alterations within the Cortico–Basal Ganglia Circuit Associated with Motor Skill Learning

Authors :

Mohammad Rezaei¹ Alireza Talesh Jafadideh² Fariba Bahrami³ Shahzad Tahmasebi Boroujeni⁴

1- University of Tehran 2- University of Tehran 3- University of Tehran 4- University of Tehran

Keywords :

motor learning،resting-state fMRI،spectral dynamic causal modeling،effective connectivity،neurorehabilitation

Abstract :

We studied whether a short time training program leaves directionally specific changes within the resting-state cortico–basal ganglia network. Thirteen healthy adults trained for two weeks to draw shapes with their foot (mainly using knee joint movement). Speed rose by ~24% and distance-to-target fell by ~15% as reported in another study on the same dataset. Resting-state fMRI was acquired before and after training periods. Using spectral dynamic causal modeling, we estimated directed coupling within a hypothesis-driven motor area, including supplementary motor area (SMA), primary motor cortex (M1), dorsal premotor cortex, thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, and a cerebellar relay. Group analysis revealed selective changes: stronger right SMA→left M1 influence, stronger thalamus→striatal drive (to caudate and putamen), and stronger putamen→pallidum coupling; in contrast, left M1→left putamen decreased. These shifts suggest that practice increases top-down drive from planning to execution and reinforces basal ganglia pathways that favor the trained action, while pruning less efficient cortico-striatal routes. The results provide directional evidence that even brief practice reorganizes cortico–basal ganglia communication at rest and align with models in which reinforcement- and error-based processes jointly shape skill.