Proprioceptive coordination of movement sequences: role of velocity and position information

Abstract

1. Recent studies have shown that the CNS uses proprioceptive information to coordinate multijoint movement sequences; proprioceptive input related to the kinematics of one joint rotation in a movement sequence can be used to trigger a subsequent joint rotation. In this paper we adopt a broad definition of "proprioception," which includes all somatosensory information related to joint posture and kinematics. This paper addresses how the CNS uses proprioceptive information related to the velocity and position of joints to coordinate multijoint movement sequences. 2. Normal human subjects sat at an experimental apparatus and performed a movement sequence with the right arm without visual feedback. The apparatus passively rotated the right elbow horizontally in the extension direction with either a constant velocity trajectory or an unpredictable velocity trajectory. The subjects' task was to open briskly the right hand when the elbow passed through a prescribed target position, similar to backhand throwing in the horizontal plane. The randomization of elbow velocities and the absence of visual information was used to discourage subjects from using any information other than proprioceptive input to perform the task. 3. Our results indicate that the CNS is able to extract the necessary kinematic information from proprioceptive input to trigger the hand opening at the correct elbow position. We estimated the minimal sensory conduction and processing delay to be 150 ms, and on the basis of this estimate, we predicted the expected performance with different degrees of reduced proprioceptive information. These predictions were compared with the subjects' actual performances, revealing that the CNS was using proprioceptive input related to joint velocity in this motor task. To determine whether position information was also being used, we examined the subjects' performances with unpredictable velocity trajectories. The results from experiments with unpredictable velocity trajectories indicate that the CNS extracts proprioceptive information related to both the velocity and the angular position of the joint to trigger the hand movement in this movement sequence. 4. To determine the generality of proprioceptive triggering in movement sequences, we estimated the minimal movement duration with which proprioceptive information can be used as well as the amount of learning required to use proprioceptive input to perform the task. The temporal limits for proprioceptive processing in this movement task were established by determining the minimal movement time during which the task could be performed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Fluctuations in acceleration during voluntary contractions lead to greater impairment of movement accuracy in old adults

“…The reduced ability of old adults to reproduce a target velocity during fast movements (Fig. 3B), which are influenced the least by peripheral feedback (8), may suggest an impaired motor program (motor command and excitation of the motoneuron pool). A similar conclusion was reached in previous studies that used larger muscles and different tasks.…”

A cross-modal interference effect in grasping objects

“…(1) Tactile and proprioceptive information from the distractor was available to one hand before the signal was given to start the reach-to-grasp movement toward the target with the other hand. This procedure was followed because there is evidence suggesting that proprioceptive afferents play a significant role, along with cutaneous afferents, in the perception of hand conformation (Cordo, Carlton, Bevan, Carlton, & Kerr, 1994;Johnson, Yoshioka, & Vega-Bermudez, 2000). If proprioceptive and haptic information from the distractor is made available, then, in line with the findings of these authors, we would expect interference of this information on the kinematics of the hand reaching toward the target.…”

Effects of response type on coordinated responses during arm movement

“…Aschersleben (in press) found that the anticipatory constant errors seen in synchronization with external stimuli disappear with extensive practice, as long as KR is given. Cordo et al (1994) studied a task similar to that reported here, but one in which KR was given on every trial. They observed much smaller errors than those in our study, and these were not always anticipatory.…”

“…Cordo (1990) suggested that proprioceptive input related to the active rotation of a joint might be useful for triggering movement at another joint during movement sequences. On the basis of those assumptions, he ran a series of experiments in order to investigate whether the central nervous system (CNS) can use kinaesthetic input to coordinate multijoint movement sequences (Cordo, 1990;Cordo, Carlton, Bevan, Carlton, & Kerr, 1994;Corda & Flanders, 1989). In the Cordo et al experiment, the elbow was extended passively, and the subject opened the hand as the arm passed through a target zone.…”