# Elucidating the Role of the Hippocampus in Motor Memory using Temporal Interference Stimulation

> **NIH MH R21** · UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · 2026 · $402,802

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
The hippocampus was long described by seminal memory models to not be necessary for procedural (motor)
learning. In contrast, neuroimaging studies from the last two decades consistently show hippocampal recruitment
during motor sequence learning. These conflicting results show that the extent to which the hippocampus
contributes to motor learning is unknown. We argue that this knowledge gap is attributed to a lack of causal
neuroimaging evidence elucidating the role of the hippocampus in motor memory. Failing to address this critical
gap will be a missed opportunity to update the field’s conceptualization of memory system organization and will
prevent the development of interventions targeting hippocampal-mediated motor learning and memory
processes. The overarching goal of this project is therefore to causally test for the role of the
hippocampus in motor memory in young healthy adults using a novel non-invasive experimental
intervention (i.e., temporal interference stimulation - TIS). TIS is a potentially groundbreaking intervention
that was developed in rodents and recently translated to human research. It enables focused - yet safe and
noninvasive - neural stimulation at depth and therefore holds immense promise for the modulation of activity in
deep brain regions. In this project, we will evaluate the effect of TIS on human hippocampal responses related
to motor learning using functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We will causally test a framework of
hippocampal involvement in motor learning that will potentially reconcile previous contradictory findings. This
framework proposes that the hippocampus supports abstract representations of motor sequences encompassing
their spatio-temporal coordinates that
are reactivated offline and can be generalizable across learning episodes.
To causally test this framework, we will administer HC
or sham TIS during motor learning and examine the effect
of stimulation on both the behavioral (Aim 1

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11304311
- **Project number:** 1R21MH140335-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UTAH STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM--UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
- **Principal Investigator:** Genevieve  Albouy; Bradley Ross King
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** MH
- **Fiscal year:** 2026
- **Award amount:** $402,802
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2026-04-01T00:00:00 → 2028-03-31T00:00:00

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11304311

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11304311, Elucidating the Role of the Hippocampus in Motor Memory using Temporal Interference Stimulation (1R21MH140335-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11304311. Licensed CC0.

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