Abstract
This study investigated whether wakeful targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during short rest intervals improves motor learning. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups and performed a sequential key-press task under each condition: (1) TMR(regular) group: auditory cues played at the same speed as the previous task, (2) TMR(fast) group: auditory cues played 1.3 times faster, and (3) TMR(random) group: auditory cues randomized in pitch. To examine the motor learning effect of cue structure, we compared motor learning across three groups (TMR(regular), TMR(fast), and TMR(random)). The TMR(fast) group enhanced early learning gains compared with the TMR(regular) group. Electroencephalogram data revealed stronger functional connectivity centered on the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (lOFC) in the TMR(fast) group than in the TMR(regular) group. Together, these findings suggest that wakeful TMR can enhance early motor learning depending on cue timing and structure, highlighting the importance of optimizing sensory parameters for learning improvement.