Grating orientation task trial numbers for short- and long-term tactile discrimination learning

• Published in: Journal of clinical neuroscience Vol. 93; pp. 195 - 199
• Main Authors: Sakai, Saki, Saito, Kei, Kojima, Sho, Otsuru, Naofumi, Onishi, Hideaki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Number of trials; Perceptual learning; Tactile orientation discrimination; Tactile orientation discrimination; Perceptual learning; Number of trials
• ISSN: 0967-5868; 1532-2653; 1532-2653
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.08.026

•We tested if 200 and 400 training trials improve tactile spatial discrimination.•At 30 min after training, the 200 trials improved tactile spatial discrimination.•At 24 h after training, the 400 trials improved tactile spatial discrimination.•Effect of training trials depended on baseline discrimination performance. Perceptual learning generally improves with training intensity, but the number of training trials sufficient for transient and long-term improvement in tactile grating orientation task (GOT) discrimination has not been systematically studied. To define reliable trial numbers for tactile discrimination learning, we compared tactile orientation discrimination performance of the right-finger following 200 and 400 training trials. Fifty-one neurologically healthy subjects were recruited. Tactile spatial acuity for orientation (parallel or orthogonal to the long axis of the finger) across different grating frequencies was assessed before, immediately after, 30 min after, and 24 h after sessions consisting of 200 training trials (50/block × 4 blocks), 400 training trials (50/block × 8 blocks), or no training (sham control). Both the 200- and 400-trial training conditions reduced the grating orientation discrimination threshold at 24 h after training. In contrast, the control condition had no effect on the grating orientation discrimination threshold. There was a negative correlation between the baseline grating orientation discrimination threshold and training-induced change in threshold (improvement) following both 200 and 400 trials. Fewer GOT trials (200) substantially prolong tactile discrimination learning, presumably by promoting the consolidation of the underlying neuroplastic mechanisms. In this widely used perceptual learning paradigm, 200 and 400 training trials appear effective for inducing short-term and long-term perceptual memory.