MODELS OF THE CEREBELLUM AND MOTOR LEARNING

This article reviews models of the cerebellum and motor learning, from the landmark papers by Marr and Albus through those of the present ti me. The unique architecture of the cerebellar cortex is ideally suited for pattern recognition, but how is pattern recognition incorporated into motor control and learning systems? The present analysis begins w ith a discussion of exactly what the cerebellar cortex needs to regula te through its anatomically defined projections to premotor networks. Next, we examine various models showing how the microcircuitry in the cerebellar cortex could be used to achieve its regulatory functions. H aving thus defined what it is that Purkinje cells in the cerebellar co rtex must learn, we then evaluate theories of motor learning. We exami ne current models of synaptic plasticity, credit assignment, and the g eneration of training information, indicating how they could function cooperatively to guide the processes of motor learning.