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Sequential aiming with one and two limbs: effects of target size
Thomas M Mottram1, Michael A Khan2, G P Lawrence1
1School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, United Kingdom.
Acta Psychologica
|June 25, 2014
Summary
Sequential aiming movements show a "one-target advantage" where initial movements are faster. This benefit is observed with large initial targets, suggesting shared control mechanisms in single and multi-limb movements.
Area of Science:
- Human motor control
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Sequential aiming movements often exhibit slower initial movement times compared to single-target responses.
- This
- one-target advantage
- has been documented in both single-limb and dual-limb sequential tasks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional dependency between response segments in sequential aiming.
- To examine how varying accuracy demands at sequential targets influence movement times and spatial variability.
- To determine if the
- one-target advantage
- is modulated by target size and limb condition.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed single and dual-limb sequential aiming tasks.
- Accuracy demands were manipulated by varying target sizes at the first and second positions.
- Movement times and spatial variability at the first target were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The
- one-target advantage
- was present for large first targets but diminished for small first targets.
- In conditions with a large first target and a small second target, spatial variability at the first target was reduced compared to single-target responses.
- This effect was consistent across both single-limb and dual-limb conditions.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate that the
- one-target advantage
- in sequential aiming is influenced by the accuracy demands of the initial target.
- Similar underlying control principles appear to govern sequential movements regardless of whether they involve one or two limbs.
- Motor control strategies adapt based on task-specific accuracy requirements, even within sequential actions.
