Savic, B. 1 , Müri, R. . 2 & Meier, B. . 1
1 University of Bern and Center for Cognition, Learning, and Memory (CCLM)
2 Bern University Hospital
With the Task Sequence Learning (TSL) paradigm implicit sequence learning can be measured without the involvement of a motor component. The purpose of this project was to investigate the role of the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) for implicit sequence learning and consolidation. We conducted two experiments with different transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) protocols. In both experiments, participants performed the TSL in two sessions. In the first session, they received tDCS on the right or the left DLPFC. After 24 hours they performed the TSL again without stimulation. Depending on the stimulation type (Anodal vs Cathodal) we expected enhancement or inhibition of implicit sequence learning and consolidation. The results showed that implicit sequence-specific learning was present in both sessions. Additionally the performance in the sequenced blocks improved from session one to session two. Noteworthy tDCS did not influence participants? performance. Thus, the specific protocols are not influencing the DLPFC.