M1 recruitment during interleaved practice is important for encoding, not just consolidation, of skill memory

The primary motor cortex (M1) is crucial for motor skill learning. We examined its role in interleaved practice, which enhances retention (vs. repetitive practice) through M1-dependent consolidation. We hypothesized that cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (ctDCS) to M1 would disrupt retention. We found that ctDCS reduced retention due to weakened encoding during acquisition, not disrupted consolidation. These results highlight M1's broad role in encoding and retention of novel motor skills.