Musical training has been shown to be beneficial for advanced motor skill development, inducing plasticity in the brain. Yet, little research has been done on metaplasticity in musicians, referring...Show moreMusical training has been shown to be beneficial for advanced motor skill development, inducing plasticity in the brain. Yet, little research has been done on metaplasticity in musicians, referring to synaptic stimulation allowing for faster and more stable learning later in life in the same domain. Intense exposure, training for a prolonged period, and training onset at younger age induces more plasticity. This study addressed whether these effects extend to metaplasticity by investigating the influence of three musical parameters – years of musical training, practice intensity and onset age of musical training – for varying levels of musical experience on motoric learning later in life (age 50 and up). This is done with an observational study in which 16 participants from non-musicians to professional musicians were examined. During the session, they completed a computerized pursuit-rotor task with a 180 degrees inverted mouse four times spread out over the session. In between we surveyed training intensity, duration and age of onset, among other things. Multiple regression data analysis showed no significant effects of the musical parameters on the rate of motoric learning taken over the whole learning course. Based on the obtained data, training effects on plasticity do not extend to metaplasticity. Conclusions should be made with caution, because of a small sample size and unequal distribution of participants along the scope of musical experience. Advancing our understanding of metaplastic processes can guide decision making in rehabilitation when estimating learning potential, considering motivation, and forming a treatment plan. More research could be done with different motoric tasks and on metaplasticity in other movement practices (e.g. dancing, athletics, gaming).Show less
