Are action-effect relations in sports mediated by dopaminergic Neuromodulation?

The loops linking cortex and basal ganglia are crucial for human motor skills. The cortico-striatal loops are influenced by dopaminergically mediated processes of synaptic plasticity. The activational property of dopaminergic neurons serves as a teaching signal. This article presents evidence that phasic release of dopamine mediates learning processes in the basal ganglia that are relevant for motor skills in sports. In the topology of cortico-striatal and striatal synaptic strength activation, patterns are reflected that constitute successful motor skill learning. The arguments presented in this article support the effectiveness of differential teaching and learning.