Exploring a Motor Learning Technique Based on the Mirror Motor Neuron System

Background:

• Techniques that teach finger movements are commonly used to explore how humans learn to move. Researchers have designed a simple, new method of learning finger movements, which will be explored for the first time in this study. The method is based on how individuals mimic other people's movements.
• Previous studies have shown that a brain protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be important in movement and in learning. There are normal variations in the gene for BDNF. As an optional component, this study will also look at whether these gene variations are associated with differences in movement learning.

Objectives:

• To compare the new motor learning technique with a classic technique to test its usefulness.
• To examine whether genetic variations have an effect on motor learning.

Eligibility:

• Healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 50, who are right-handed.

Design:

• The study will involve two visits to the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.
• Visit 1: Medical and neurologic examination to determine whether the volunteer is eligible to participate further in the study. This screening visit will take about 1 hour.
• Visit 2: Volunteers will perform a motor learning task by interacting with a computer program. In response to images on the computer monitor, volunteers will press buttons on the keyboard as quickly and accurately as possible. The motor learning task will last up to 3 hours.
• If a volunteer agrees to genetic testing, researchers will also draw blood for study. Genetic testing is not required to participate in the motor learning parts of the study.