Mechanisms of visuomotor coordination: a study in normal and brain-damaged subjects

This paper reviews the role of vision in controlling pointing and reaching movements in man. Studies of visuomotor behaviour in normal subjects allow the identification of several levels for describing organization of visuomotor control. The relative contribution of central (programming) and peripheral (feedback) mechanisms; the role of the eye-head coordinated position as a reference for controlling accuracy and direction of movements; and the relative independence of input-output channels in controlling proximal and distal segments of the musculature. These levels represent a useful framework for understanding pathological disruption of visuomotor control produced by cortical lesions.