Elevating cerebellar theta oscillations boosts noninvasively induced motor plasticity
- Danny Adrian Spampinato
- Valentina Pezzopane
- Alex Martino Cinnera
- Annibale Antonioni
- Elisa Dolfini
- Lucia Mencarelli
- Matteo Ferraresi
- Katia Botta
- Andrea Casarotto
- Sofia Straudi
- Luciano Fadiga
- Giacomo Koch
2026-07-31
Matching brain stimulation to the brain’s natural rhythms can drive plasticity, yet this principle has rarely been tested in humans. We targeted the cerebellum, a key hub for motor coordination and learning, using a rhythm-tuned protocol that pairs theta-frequency transcranial alternating current stimulation with intermittent theta-burst stimulation to engage plasticity of cerebello-cortical circuits. In young healthy adults, this pairing enhanced fine motor control and hand dexterity, with gains closely tracking physiological markers of cerebellar-driven plasticity. Applying the same approach in chronic stroke survivors yielded parallel behavioral and neural gains, demonstrating preserved rhythm-plasticity coupling despite injury. Control experiments confirmed both frequency specificity and site specificity, underscoring the mechanistic precision of the intervention. By linking theta-frequency cerebellar stimulation to circuit-level and functional outcomes, these findings establish a biologically grounded framework for targeted neurorehabilitation. Rhythm-specific cerebellar stimulation provides a scalable strategy for enhancing plasticity and improving motor function across movement disorders and motor impairments.