Network-targeted TMS modulates task-related striatal activity during motor skill learning

Abstract

The striatum, a critical hub for motor skill learning, is located deep within the subcortical region, making noninvasive stimulation particularly challenging. Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can modulate subcortical activity indirectly by targeting functionally connected cortical areas. In this study, we applied TMS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) immediately before the fMRI session measuring task-related activity in the striatum during motor learning. We examined whether continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) and high-frequency stimulation (20 Hz) could modulate motor learning and associated striatal responses with opposing effects. There was no significant effect of either stimulation condition on the overall motor learning performance. However, cTBS significantly reduced performance-related striatal activity, while 20 Hz stimulation did not show any modulatory effect. These findings demonstrate that cTBS targeting the corticostriatal network can suppress striatal activity and suggest its potential use in clinical trials for treating disorders such as addiction associated with hyperactive striatal responses.