Editing Muscle memory (section)

===Muscle memory consolidation===
Muscle memory consolidation involves the continuous evolution of neural processes after practicing a task has stopped. The exact mechanism of motor memory consolidation within the brain is controversial. However, most theories assume that there is a general redistribution of information across the brain from encoding to consolidation.  [[Hebb's rule]] states that "synaptic connectivity changes as a function of repetitive firing." In this case, that would mean that the high amount of stimulation coming from practicing a movement would cause the repetition of firing in certain motor networks, presumably leading to an increase in the efficiency of exciting these motor networks over time.<ref name= "Ma">{{cite journal | last1 = Ma | first1 = L. | display-authors = etal   | year = 2010| title = . (2010). Changes in regional activity are accompanied with changes in inter-regional connectivity during 4 weeks motor learning | journal = Brain Res. | volume =  1318| pages =  64–76| doi = 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.12.073 | pmid=20051230 | pmc=2826520}}</ref>

While the exact location of muscle memory storage is not known, studies have suggested that it is the inter-regional connections that play the most important role in advancing motor memory encoding to consolidation, rather than decreases in overall regional activity.  These studies have shown a weakened connection from the cerebellum to the primary motor area with practice, it is presumed, because of a decreased need for error correction from the cerebellum. However, the connection between the basal ganglia and the primary motor area is strengthened, suggesting the basal ganglia play an important role in the motor memory consolidation process.<ref name = "Ma" />