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The Role of Variability in Motor Learning.
Ashesh K Dhawale1,2, Maurice A Smith2,3, Bence P Ölveczky1,2
1Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138;
Annual Review of Neuroscience
|May 11, 2017
Summary
Motor variability, once seen as noise, is now understood as purposeful exploration driving motor learning. This review explores how this variability aids skill acquisition in humans and animals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Learning
Background:
- Motor variability is traditionally viewed as a byproduct of neural noise.
- Emerging evidence suggests variability plays a functional role in motor learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the relationship between motor variability and motor learning.
- To discuss the neural mechanisms underlying motor variability.
- To explore implications for understanding motor learning.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies in humans and animal models.
- Analysis of reinforcement learning theory in motor control.
- Discussion of neural circuit mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Motor variability may be an adaptive mechanism for exploration in sensorimotor systems.
- Variability, when paired with reinforcement, can facilitate motor skill acquisition.
- Neural circuits actively generate and regulate motor variability.
Conclusions:
- Motor variability is a key feature, not just noise, in motor learning.
- Understanding variability's role offers new insights into sensorimotor adaptation.
- This perspective has significant implications for rehabilitation and training strategies.
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