How the brain learns and refines motor skills through practice
Official title: Motor Skill Learning and the Development of Precise Neural Codes
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11075655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how young birds learn to sing by copying adult songs, helping us understand how our brains develop the skills needed for activities like speaking or reaching, which could be useful for anyone interested in improving their motor skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F99NS141391-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with motor skill learning challenges or those interested in the neurophysiological aspects of motor control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any motor skill learning difficulties or related conditions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain develops precise neural codes that enable the learning and refinement of motor skills, such as speaking or reaching. By studying the process of birdsong learning, where young birds imitate adult songs, the research aims to understand the changes in brain activity that occur during skill acquisition. The approach involves analyzing how repeated practice and sensorimotor feedback contribute to the development of distinct motor actions. This could provide insights into the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying motor skill learning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of motor skill development, potentially leading to improved therapies for individuals with motor learning difficulties.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully explored motor learning in various contexts, indicating that this approach has a foundation in established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pascual, Leila May — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Pascual, Leila May
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.