The influence of accuracy constraints on bimanual and unimanual sequence learning

Kennedy, Deanna M.; Wang, Chaoyi; Wang, Yiyu; Shea, Charles H.

doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135812

“…Using different limbs within one sequence adds complexity, requiring more coordination and attention to execute the movement sequence according to the movement plan (Gálvez-García et al, 2014). The increased difficulty might inhibit the linking of bimanual sequences (Kennedy et al, 2021). As a result, movements might be preferentially represented discretely.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Third, neural crosstalk might interfere with learning of bimanual tasks (Kennedy et al, 2021;Swinnen, 2002). Neural crosstalk occurs during bimanual movements when neural signals designated to muscles in one arm are also sent to homologous muscles in the other arm (Cardoso de Oliveira, 2002).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prior Movement of One Arm Facilitates Motor Adaptation in the Other

Gippert

¹

,

Leupold

²

,

Heed

³

et al. 2023

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Many movements in daily life are embedded in motion sequences that involve more than one limb, demanding the motor system to monitor and control different body parts in quick succession. During such movements, systematic changes in the environment or the body might require motor adaptation of specific segments. However, previous motor adaptation research has focused primarily on motion sequences produced by a single limb, or on simultaneous movements of several limbs. For example, adaptation to opposing force fields is possible in unimanual reaching tasks when the direction of a prior or subsequent movement is predictive of force field direction. It is unclear, however, whether multi-limb sequences can support motor adaptation processes in a similar way. In the present study (38 females, 38 males), we investigated whether reaches can be adapted to different force fields in a bimanual motor sequence when the information about the perturbation is associated with the prior movement direction of the other arm. In addition, we examined whether prior perceptual (visual or proprioceptive) feedback of the opposite arm contributes to force field-specific motor adaptation. Our key finding is that only active participation in the bimanual sequential task supports pronounced adaptation. This result suggests that active segments in bimanual motion sequences are linked across limbs. If there is a consistent association between movement kinematics of the linked and goal movement, the learning process of the goal movement can be facilitated. More generally, if motion sequences are repeated often, prior segments can evoke specific adjustments of subsequent movements.Significance statementMovements in a limb’s motion sequence can be adjusted based on linked movements. A prerequisite is that kinematics of the linked movements correctly predict which adjustments are needed. We show that use of kinematic information to improve performance is even possible when a prior linked movement is performed with a different limb. For example, a skilled juggler might have learned how to correctly adjust his catching movement of the left hand when the right hand performed a throwing action in a specific way. Linkage is possibly a key mechanism of the human motor system for learning complex bimanual skills. Our study emphasizes that learning of specific movements should not be studied in isolation but within their motor sequence context.

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“…Third, neural crosstalk might interfere with learning of bimanual tasks (Kennedy et al, 2021; Swinnen, 2002). Neural crosstalk occurs during bimanual movements when neural signals designated to muscles in one arm are also sent to homologous muscles in the other arm (Cardoso de Oliveira, 2002).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prior movement of one arm facilitates motor adaptation in the other

Gippert

¹

,

Leupold

²

,

Heed

³

et al. 2022

Preprint

0

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Many movements in daily life are embedded in motion sequences that involve more than one limb, demanding the motor system to monitor and control different body parts in quick succession. During such movements, systematic changes in the environment or the body might require motor adaptation of specific segments. However, previous motor adaptation research has focused primarily on motion sequences produced by a single limb, or on simultaneous movements of several limbs. For example, adaptation to opposing force fields is possible in unimanual reaching tasks when the direction of a prior or subsequent movement is predictive of force field direction. It is unclear, however, whether multi-limb sequences can support motor adaptation processes in a similar way. In the present study, we investigated whether reaches can be adapted to different force fields in a bimanual motor sequence when the information about the perturbation is associated with the prior movement direction of the other arm. In addition, we examined whether prior perceptual (visual or proprioceptive) feedback of the opposite arm contributes to force field-specific motor adaptation. Our key finding is that only active participation in the bimanual sequential task supports pronounced adaptation. This result suggests that active segments in bimanual motion sequences are linked across limbs. If there is a consistent association between movement kinematics of the linked and goal movement, the learning process of the goal movement can be facilitated. More generally, if motion sequences are repeated often, prior segments can evoke specific adjustments of subsequent movements.

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“…For instance, proximal joints, like the shoulders, might be responsible for rapid gross movement positioning, whereas the wrists, with their more refined movements, might address the precision demands of the task 75,76 . Moreover, bimanual tasks, due to their inherent complexity, could introduce unique dynamics compared to traditional unimanual tasks 77,78 . Such tasks, necessitating the synchronization of both limbs, might prompt the CNS to employ a hand coordination control strategy, wherein the observed velocity differences between the wrists and other joints are systematically orchestrated for optimal task execution 67,79 .…”

Section: Body Dynamicsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring Motor Skill Acquisition in Bimanual Coordination: Insights from Navigating a Novel Maze Task

Cienfuegos,

Maycock,

Naceri

et al. 2024

Preprint

1

0

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In this study, we introduce a novel maze task designed to investigate naturalistic motor learning in bimanual coordination. We developed and validated an extended set of movement primitives tailored to capture the full spectrum of scenarios encountered in a maze game. Over a three-day training period, we evaluated participants' performance using these primitives and a custom-developed software, enabling precise quantification of performance. Our methodology integrated the primitives with in-depth kinematic analyses and thorough thumb pressure assessments, charting the trajectory of participants' progression from novice to proficient stages. Results demonstrated consistent improvement in maze performance and significant adaptive changes in joint behaviors and strategic recalibrations in thumb pressure distribution. These findings highlight the central nervous system's adaptability in orchestrating sophisticated motor strategies and the crucial role of tactile feedback in precision tasks. The maze platform and setup emerge as a valuable foundation for future experiments, providing a tool for the exploration of motor learning and coordination dynamics. This research underscores the complexity of bimanual motor learning in naturalistic environments, enhancing our understanding of skill acquisition and task efficiency while emphasizing the necessity for further exploration and deeper investigation into these adaptive mechanisms.

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The influence of accuracy constraints on bimanual and unimanual sequence learning

Cited by 5 publications

References 60 publications

Prior Movement of One Arm Facilitates Motor Adaptation in the Other

Prior Movement of One Arm Facilitates Motor Adaptation in the Other

Prior movement of one arm facilitates motor adaptation in the other

Exploring Motor Skill Acquisition in Bimanual Coordination: Insights from Navigating a Novel Maze Task

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