Changes in Movement Control Processes Following Visuomotor Adaptation

Abstract

Goal-directed reaches are modified based on previous errors experienced (i.e., offline control) and current errors experienced during movement execution (i.e., online control). It is well documented that the control processes (i.e., offline and online control) underlying well learned movements change based on the time available to complete an action, such that offline control processes are engaged to a greater extent when movements are completed in a faster movement time (MT). Here, we asked if the underlying movement control processes governing newly acquired movements also change under varying MT constraints. Sixteen participants adapted their movements to a visuomotor distortion. Following reach training trials, participants reached under Long (800–1000 ms) and Short (400–500 ms) MT constraints. Results indicate that movement errors when reaching with the rotated cursor were reduced online under the Long MT constraint compared to the Short MT constraint. Thus, the contributions of offline and online movement control processes engaged in newly acquired movements can be adjusted with changes in temporal demands.

KEYWORDS:

• reaching
• visuomotor adaptation
• learning
• movement control
• movement time
• temporal constraints

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada awarded to Erin K. Cressman.