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Changes in motion perception following oculomotor smooth pursuit adaptation
P van Donkelaar1, R C Miall, J F Stein
1Dept. of Exercise and Movement Science, University of Oregon, Eugene 97403-1240, USA. paulvd@darkwing.uoregon.edu
Perception & Psychophysics
|March 21, 2000
Summary
Smooth pursuit (SP) adaptation alters velocity perception. Following SP adaptation, sensitivity to motion at 10 deg/sec decreased, indicating an overestimation of target velocity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Perception Psychology
Background:
- Smooth pursuit (SP) eye movements are crucial for tracking moving objects.
- Adaptation of SP eye movements can modify oculomotor control.
- The relationship between SP adaptation and visual velocity perception remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether smooth pursuit (SP) adaptation influences the perception of visual motion velocity.
- To determine if changes in oculomotor output during SP adaptation correlate with altered velocity perception.
Main Methods:
- Assessed coherence thresholds using random-dot kinematograms before and after SP adaptation.
- Utilized a standardized SP adaptation paradigm with a target velocity of 10 deg/sec.
- Compared pre- and post-adaptation sensitivity to coherent visual motion.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in sensitivity to coherent motion at 10 deg/sec was observed after SP adaptation.
- Post-adaptation sensitivity levels fell between those typically seen for 10 and 20 deg/sec velocities.
- This suggests an overestimation of the perceived velocity of the coherent motion.
Conclusions:
- SP adaptation not only modifies oculomotor output but also alters the perception of target velocity.
- The findings support a link between motor adaptation and sensory perception in the oculomotor system.
- This implies that the brain recalibrates velocity perception to match altered eye movement commands.