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Long-lasting aftereffects of prism adaptation in the monkey
1Neuroscience Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan. pby@ln.nimh.nih.gov
Experimental Brain Research
|November 20, 2001
Summary
Prism adaptation aftereffects in monkeys last at least 3 days. Consolidation into long-lasting effects requires over 200 trials, demonstrating motor learning and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Perception
Background:
- Prism adaptation involves learning to correct visually induced reaching errors.
- Aftereffects, or opposite errors, occur upon prism removal, indicating recalibration.
- The duration and trial-dependency of these aftereffects are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the duration of prism adaptation aftereffects in monkeys.
- To determine the number of trials needed for long-lasting aftereffects.
- To assess the arm specificity of prolonged aftereffects.
Main Methods:
- Monkeys adapted to lateral visual displacement using wedge prisms.
- Reaching movements were rapidly performed.
- Aftereffects were measured 24 and 72 hours post-adaptation with varying trial numbers (50, 250, 500).
- Bilateral adaptation with opposite displacements was also tested.
Main Results:
- Short-term aftereffects (50 trials) diminished by 24 hours.
- Significant aftereffects persisted at 24 and 72 hours after 500 trials.
- Long-lasting aftereffects were specific to the adapted arm.
Conclusions:
- Prism adaptation aftereffects can persist for at least 3 days.
- Consolidating short-term effects into long-lasting ones requires extensive practice (over 200 additional trials).
- Motor recalibration demonstrates arm-specific, long-term changes in sensorimotor processing.