Adapting discrete movements 2

Question 1

How can we disturb hand motions in order to study them

how do we measure

how does the motor system adapt

Answer 1

The most commonly used force environment is velocity-
dependent and perpendicular to the direction of hand motion
applying a novel load perpendicular to the movement

Measure initial hand path deviations (movement errors)
caused by unexpected exposure to the novel load

The motor system learns to compensate for the effects of the load to plan and perform accurate movements

Question 1

how is the task set up and how does it examine movement

Answer 1

The task is set up to examine how the nervous system uses errors experienced on one trial to update the next movement

Question 2

differences between healthy and control person in a kin arm

Answer 2

the cerebellar patient doesn’t learn

and has jerky movements in the beginning

Question 3

how did these people adapt to a novel force
which target did they adapt to

then they assess generalization of other ones, difference from the training target

How does adaptation generalize when training/practice occurs in one location of the workspace and is assessed in another location?

Answer 3

Subjects adapted to a novel force field while reaching to one training target

Generalization of learning was assessed while subjects reached to targets located within [-90,90] deg of the training target

adaptation generalization between different workspace locations depends on the degree of similarity in task dynamics, sensory inputs, and neural representations. To enhance generalization, training protocols should incorporate variability and simulate the conditions of the untrained workspace.

Question 4

what happens in decay away from the target

Adaptation is ——- and ——- to practice conditions.

It decays as a function of what

Answer 4

Adaptation is local and specific to practice conditions.

It decays as a function of the spatial difference between the practice/training movements and generalization targets

Question 5

Discussion: Adaptation is relatively local and specific to training/practice conditions. How can we improve the extent to which we adapt and then are able to generalize this adaptation?

Answer 5

you can practice other conditions

Question 6

Learning by Watching Others

can we adapt an existing motor skill by watching someone else perform it

Answer 6

Watching footage of the swing sequence and form of skilled batters
model it after someone and watch and learn

Question 7

Observe someone adapt to CW or CCW field, or no observation

Participants observe someone else adapt to a novel (CW or CCW) force field. They then encounter the CW force field themselves

what can the act of observing affect

Answer 7

When people observe others adapt to a force field and then experience a different force field, they adapt more slowly (interference).

When people observe others adapt to a force field and then experience the same force field, they adapt more quickly (facilitation)

Naïve subjects (no observation) initially show intermediate learning rates

**The simple act of observing someone adapt their movements to a novel force field can speed up or interfere with motor adaptation