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Translational studies exploring neuroplasticity associated with motor skill learning and the regulatory role of the dopamine system
Author(s) -
Diaz Heijtz Rochellys,
Forssberg Hans
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.12692
Subject(s) - neuroplasticity , dopaminergic , motor learning , cerebral palsy , motor skill , psychology , neuroscience , dopamine , motor system , psychological intervention , dreyfus model of skill acquisition , physical medicine and rehabilitation , medicine , psychiatry , economics , economic growth
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with lifelong motor impairment and disability. Current intervention programmes aim to capitalize on the neuroplasticity of the undamaged part of the brain to improve motor functions, by engaging individuals in active motor learning and training. In this review, we highlight recent animal studies (1) exploring cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to neuroplasticity during motor training, (2) assessing the functional role of the mesocortical dopaminergic system in motor skill learning, and (3) exploring the impact of naturally occurring genetic variation in dopamine‐related gene expression on the acquisition and performance of fine motor skills. Finally, the potential influence of the dopamine system on the outcome of motor learning interventions in cerebral palsy is discussed.