A sensorimotor basis for motor learning: evidence indicating specificity of practice

Area of Science:

• Motor control and learning
• Human sensorimotor adaptation

Background:

• Previous research indicated increased reliance on visual feedback with extensive practice in aiming tasks.
• The theoretical shift towards open-loop control with practice was questioned.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the hypothesis that movement learning is based on a sensorimotor representation integrating central and sensory feedback.
• To investigate if adding vision after practice without it causes a performance decrement.

Main Methods:

• Participants engaged in a movement aiming task with varying amounts of practice.
• Vision of the moving limb was eliminated after moderate and extensive practice.
• Performance was assessed with and without visual feedback after practice under different conditions.

Main Results:

• Movement became more dependent on visual feedback with increased practice without vision.
• Adding vision after practice without it led to a significant movement decrement compared to controls.
• Results supported the sensorimotor representation hypothesis.

Conclusions:

• Movement learning is specific to the conditions present during skill acquisition.
• The findings challenge established theories like the generalized motor program and schema theory.
• A sensorimotor representation, integrating central commands and sensory feedback, underlies motor skill development.