Fig. 1.

Effects of tDCS on mouse learning of the rotarod running task. A Training protocol. Each day, the mouse performs a 5-min familiarization trial (fam) at a constant low speed, followed by three 5-min trials [separated by 5 min inter-trial intervals (ITI)] at a linearly-increasing rotation speed (days 1 and 2, 4–40 r/min; days 3 and 4, 8–80 r/min). B Schematic of the electrode configuration [Stim, tDCS electrode; Ref, reference electrode; S, sham (no current); +, anodal; –, cathodal]. C Average time on the rotarod during each trial. D Terminal rotation speed at which mice fall off the rotarod during each trial. Online, anodal tDCS (0.1 mA) is applied during each trial; n, total number of mice. E Summary of results showing the learning rate, as defined by the normalized difference of terminal speed between the last and the first trials of the entire training period. Data depict standard 4-day training with (colored bars) and without (sham, black bars) online anodal or cathodal tDCS applied to M1 at different current amplitudes (14d and 28d, results obtained with 3 additional training trials at 14 and 28 days after training. V1, tDCS applied to primary visual cortex instead of M1). F–H As for C–E, but tDCS is applied during ITIs. Before and After, average values with tDCS applied during ITIs before and after each trial; Contin., 20-min continuous tDCS applied before the familiarization trial. Error bars, SEM; *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, two-way ANOVA in C, D, F, G; unpaired t test in E, H.