Aiming accuracy in preferred and non-preferred limbs: implications for programing models of motor control

Area of Science:

• Motor control and learning
• Biomechanics
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Motor programing models suggest motor equivalence, where learned actions can be executed by different effectors.
• Motor equivalence is a key concept in understanding the flexibility of the motor system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence for motor equivalence in aiming movements.
• To assess the generality of motor equivalence across different limbs and task complexities.

Main Methods:

• Review of theoretical approaches to motor programing.
• Comparison of kinematic measures from preferred and non-preferred limbs during aiming tasks.
• Analysis of data from simple, complex, and feedback-dependent aiming tasks.

Main Results:

• Motor equivalence is strongly supported for one- and two-dimensional aiming tasks.
• Simultaneous bimanual movements also show strong support for motor equivalence.
• Evidence is mixed for unconstrained throwing and tasks requiring online feedback corrections.

Conclusions:

• Motor equivalence is a robust phenomenon in simpler, pre-programmed aiming movements.
• The flexibility of motor control may be constrained in tasks demanding greater adaptability or real-time adjustments.