L2B: Measurement of Motor Performance

Question 1

To this point, we have been discussing motor skills from a Task perspective.

We can also look at skills from a Performance Perspective.
Defines skill in terms of “how good” somebody is at something

Answer 1

Question 2

What is Reaction Time?

Answer 2

Reaction Time (RT)

• Interval between presentation of unanticipated stimulus & beginning of response.

Question 3

What is Movement Time (MT)?

Answer 3

• Interval reflecting movement (initiation and end).
• Reflects time to transport the limb

Question 4

What is Total (response) Time?

Answer 4

Total (response) Time (TT)
* Sum of RT + MT

Question 5

Compare b/w RT and MT?

Answer 5

Question 6

What are the Four key features /terms important to response time measurement?

Answer 6

Question 7

How can we further break up Reaction Time?

Answer 7

If we have the technology (EMG), we can further break-up “fractionate” RT

Question 8

What is the purpose of Electromyography (EMG)?

Answer 8

Recording of electrical activity in muscle / groups of muscles

Stimulation from motor neurons causes activity in muscle (contraction), leads to electrical signal

EMG, gives more accurate information about time course of processes involved in responding than movement initiation

Question 9

What is Pre-motor RT?

Answer 9

Pre-motor reaction time (RT) is the interval between the presentation of a stimulus and the onset of muscle activation,

reflecting the time required for sensory processing, decision-making, and response selection before actual movement begins.

EMG activity detected before movement