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Behavioral performance and visual strategies during skill acquisition using a novel tool use motor learning task
T J Bosch1,2, T Hanna1,2, K A Fercho3,4
1Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, 414 E Clark St, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA.
Scientific Reports
|September 15, 2018
Summary
Humans rapidly learn new tool use skills through practice. This study developed a novel method using chopsticks to demonstrate that motor learning improves performance logarithmically, with reduced visual reliance over time.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Evolution
- Motor Learning
Background:
- Tool use is a defining characteristic of human evolution.
- Understanding the neurobiology of rapid motor learning with novel tools is crucial.
- Examining these processes is challenging due to humans' extensive tool use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess a novel motor learning paradigm for tool use.
- To investigate the behavioral and visual strategy changes during skill acquisition.
- To determine if the paradigm aligns with traditional motor learning principles.
Main Methods:
- Developed a challenging tool use task using chopsticks to grasp and drop marbles.
- Recruited participants with limited chopstick experience for eight training sessions.
- Monitored behavioral performance and visual strategies throughout training.
Main Results:
- Participant performance improved in a logarithmic pattern with practice.
- Visual strategies became less confirmatory as proficiency increased.
- Observed outcomes were congruent with traditional motor learning models.
Conclusions:
- The developed paradigm effectively measures tool use motor learning.
- This method offers a novel approach to studying the mechanisms of motor skill acquisition.
- Findings support the existence of adaptable neurobiological systems for novel tool manipulation.
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