Dopaminergic effects on encoding of a motor memory in chronic stroke

Abstract

The effects of a single oral dose of levodopa administered in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over design on formation of a motor memory were studied by a training protocol in patients with chronic stroke. Levodopa enhanced the ability of motor training to encode an elementary motor memory relative to placebo. Up-regulation of dopaminergic function may enhance motor memory formation, crucial for successful rehabilitative treatments in patients with chronic stroke.