The Benefits of Music Training on Motor Learning and Neuroplasticity
The frequency of the Val66Met polymorphism in a sample of musicians compared to the general population Project summary: The Val66Met polymorphism is a common single nucleotide polymorphism present in 25-30% of the general population. The polymorphism is associated with deficits in motor learning (Joundi et al., 2012), decreased short-term neuroplasticity (Kleim et al., 2006; Morin-moncet et al., 2014), and decreased brain derived neurotrophic factor secretion (Chaieb et al., 2014). Studies have shown that exercise increases BDNF production and motor learning (Seifert et al., 2010; Helm et al., 2017). Although music has been shown to influence motor learning and plasticity (Grau-sanchez et al., 2013) in general and clinical populations, the effect of music training on the deficits of the Val66Met polymorphism and has not been studied in humans. In order to examine whether music training can overcome the deficits of the Val66Met polymorphism, the present pilot study was needed to investigate the whether musicians are equally as likely to have the Val/Met genotype as the general population. Our hypothesis is that the frequency of the Val/Met genotype in a sample of musicians is not statistically from the general population. If this hypothesis is verified, than future studies can examine whether musicians with the polymorphism show higher levels of BDNF production than non-musicians with the polymorphism.