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Role of uncertainty in sensorimotor control
Robert J van Beers1, Pierre Baraduc, Daniel M Wolpert
1Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
Summary
Neural noise limits information processing and impacts behavior. The central nervous system (CNS) optimally integrates sensory data and controls motor commands to minimize noise effects, enhancing perception and movement accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Sensory Processing
Background:
- Neural signals are inherently noisy, posing challenges for information processing and behavior.
- Understanding how the brain manages neural noise is crucial for explaining movement control and perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how neural noise and uncertainty influence goal-directed movements and behavior.
- To explore the central nervous system's (CNS) strategies for minimizing the detrimental effects of neural noise.
Main Methods:
- Review of processes in goal-directed movements, including sensory perception and motor command generation.
- Examination of optimal-control frameworks for task optimization in the presence of signal-dependent noise.
- Analysis of models for optimal integration of sensory and motor signals during movement.
Main Results:
- The CNS optimally integrates visual and proprioceptive information to minimize uncertainty in hand localization.
- Movement planning minimizes inaccuracy by optimizing tasks under signal-dependent noise conditions.
- Sensory and motor signals are optimally combined for state estimation during movement.
Conclusions:
- The CNS employs strategies at neural and network levels to minimize the adverse effects of noise.
- Considering neural-level mechanisms is essential for a comprehensive understanding of behavioral performance.
- Optimal processing of noisy neural signals underlies accurate perception and skilled motor behavior.