Date of Award
Spring 4-29-2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Basic Biomedical Science
Additional Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Lee Baugh
Second Advisor
Taylor Bosch
Third Advisor
Timothy Ricker
Keywords
Tool-use, tDCS, Supramarginal Gyrus, EEG, Beta Band, Gamma Band, Apraxia
Subject Categories
Cognitive Psychology | Psychological Phenomena and Processes
Abstract
The left anterior supramarginal gyrus (aSMG) has been implicated as an important brain region in tool use. While anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (atDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) has been shown to facilitate skilled tool use, the effects of aSMG stimulation remain largely unexplored. Using a chopstick-marble paradigm, this thesis examined whether atDCS to the left aSMG would enhance tool-use learning. Electroencephalography (EEG) was concurrently recorded to assess atDCS-dependent changes to the beta and gamma frequency bands. Our results demonstrated that atDCS over the left aSMG significantly expedited tool-use learning and was associated with increased gamma band activity in M1. Neurostimulation was observed to have no significant effects on either beta suppression or motor-parietal connectivity. These findings underscore the aSMG’s involvement in skilled tool use and highlight the role of atDCS in enhancing motor learning. These results also hold potential for informing the development of targeted rehabilitation interventions for individuals experiencing impairment in tool-use and manipulation skills.
Recommended Citation
Haliru, Kamila, "Expediting Tool-Use Learning: Effects of Non-Invasive Neurostimulation of the Left Anterior Supramarginal Gyrus" (2025). Honors Thesis. 373.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/373