TRACK—a new algorithm and open-source tool for the analysis of pursuit-tracking sensorimotor integration processes

Abstract

In daily life, sensorimotor integration processes are fundamental for many cognitive operations. The pursuit-tracking paradigm is an ecological and valid paradigm to examine sensorimotor integration processes in a more complex environment than many established tasks that assess simple motor responses. However, the analysis of pursuit-tracking performance is complicated, and parameters quantified to examine performance are sometimes ambiguous regarding their interpretation. We introduce an open-source algorithm (TRACK) to calculate a new tracking error metric, the spatial error, based on the identification of the intended target position for the respective cursor position. The identification is based on assigning cursor and target direction changes to each other as key events, based on the assumptions of similarity and proximity. By applying our algorithm to pursuit-tracking data, beyond replication of known effects such as learning or practice effects, we show a higher precision of the spatial tracking error, i.e., it fits our behavioral data better than the temporal tracking error and thus provides new insights and parameters for the investigation of pursuit-tracking behavior. Our work provides an important step towards fully utilizing the potential of pursuit-tracking tasks for research on sensorimotor integration processes.

Temporal dynamics analysis reveals that concurrent working memory load eliminates the Stroop effect through disrupting stimulus-response mapping

“…Third, previous study has shown that the response incongruent trial evokes a small beta power than the stimulus incongruent trial in the Stroop task (Zhao et al, 2015). The suppressed effect of the beta power most likely reflects the inhibition of proponent responses, associated with motion preparation (Böttcher et al, 2023;Chung et al, 2024;Wendiggensen et al, 2022;Zhao et al, 2015). Accordingly, these frequency bands can provide a comprehensive characterization of the Stroop conflict processing.…”