Executive control and working memory are involved in sub-second repetitive motor timing

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Human Motor Control
• Psychology

Background:

• The precise relationship between timing and cognitive processes is not fully understood.
• Cognitive control is implicated in timing tasks longer than one second.
• Its role in sub-second repetitive motor timing remains unconfirmed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of cognitive control on sub-second repetitive motor timing.
• To determine if cognitive load affects timing variability in tasks below one second.

Main Methods:

• Two continuation tapping experiments were conducted.
• Participants performed repetitive motor timing tasks with varying inter-onset intervals (IOIs).
• Concurrent tasks with manipulated cognitive load (executive and working memory) were introduced.

Main Results:

• Increased cognitive load significantly heightened timing variability for shorter IOIs (524 and 733 ms).
• This effect was observed in both executive and working memory load conditions.
• The impact of cognitive load on timing variability was dependent on the IOI duration.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive control processes demonstrably influence sub-second repetitive motor timing.
• Sub-second timing is sensitive to cognitive demands, particularly under high load.
• These findings extend the known role of cognitive control to rapid motor timing.