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Oculomotor function and functional connectivity : insights into motor skill learning and implications for motor function after stroke Rubino, Cristina

Abstract

The human brain forms a highly interconnected network comprising structural pathways and functionally connected cortical and subcortical regions, facilitating learning and performance of motor skills. Despite extensive research on motor skill learning, investigations into the role of the oculomotor system in human motor skill learning are limited. Furthermore, brain functions beyond the immediate area of a stroke infarct may be altered, influencing motor behaviour after stroke. Yet, little research has explored the contribution of the oculomotor system to skilled motor function following stroke. This thesis employed behavioural and neuroimaging methods to investigate oculomotor function and functional connectivity in relation to motor skill learning in healthy adults and motor function in individuals with stroke. First, we investigated how eye movements evolve during learning of a novel motor skill. Oculomotor performance, along with motor performance, improved during skill acquisition and was retained following a period of no practice, demonstrating capacity for learning in the oculomotor system. Next, we investigated how functional connectivity of oculomotor brain regions correlated with motor learning-related changes in oculomotor and motor behaviour. Motor learning-related improvements in oculomotor and motor performance correlated with: 1) stronger oculomotor functional connectivity prior to motor skill learning, and 2) decreased oculomotor functional connectivity changes, pre to post-motor skill learning. Finally, we explored relationships between motor skill performance and oculomotor functional connectivity in individuals with stroke and older adults. Stronger oculomotor functional connectivity correlated with better motor task performance and better motor function after stroke. Together these studies contribute to foundational knowledge of the oculomotor system in learning and performing skilled motor actions.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International