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Response preparation changes during practice of an asynchronous bimanual movement.
Dana Maslovat1, Anthony N Carlsen, Romeo Chua
1School of Human Kinetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. dmaslovat@langara.bc.ca
Experimental Brain Research
|April 24, 2009
Summary
Response preparation of interval timing in asynchronous bimanual movements improves with practice. Even with startling stimuli, the brain can pre-program movement timing, suggesting adaptable motor control.
Area of Science:
- Motor control
- Human movement science
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Previous research demonstrated amplitude preparation for synchronous bimanual movements.
- The current study investigates preparation and practice effects in asynchronous bimanual movements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if asynchronous bimanual movements can be prepared in advance.
- To assess if practice improves the preparation of inter-limb timing in asynchronous movements.
Main Methods:
- Participants practiced a discrete bimanual movement with a 100 ms lead time for the right arm.
- Auditory stimuli (80 dB control, 124 dB startle) were used as go signals.
- Electromyography (EMG) and movement latency were analyzed to assess pre-programming and practice effects.
Main Results:
- Startle stimuli triggered movements at earlier latencies, indicating advance preparation.
- Startle trials showed shorter inter-arm delays and compressed EMG patterns due to neural activation.
- Both startle and control trials demonstrated improvement over practice, suggesting interval timing preparation is trainable.
Conclusions:
- Response preparation of interval timing in asynchronous bimanual movements can be improved with practice.
- The nervous system demonstrates capacity for pre-programming inter-limb timing, even under startling conditions.
- Findings suggest adaptable motor control mechanisms for complex bimanual coordination.
