Comparing the effects of focal and conventional tDCS on motor skill learning: A proof of principle study

•We compare the after-effects of conventional TDCS to a more focal, targeted approach.•TDCS montage selection influences motor skill learning.•We show that it also influences neurophysiological outcomes measured with directional TMS. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has emerged as a promising intervention in clinical and behavioral neuroscience; however, the response variability to this technique has limited its impact, partly due to the widespread of current flow with conventional methods. Here, we investigate whether a more targeted, focal approach over the primary motor cortex (M1) is advantageous for motor learning and targeting specific neuronal populations. Our preliminary results show that focal stimulation leads to enhanced skill learning and differentially recruits distinct pathways to M1. This finding suggests that focal tDCS approaches may improve the outcomes of future studies aiming to enhance behavior.