Post-error adjustments occur in both reaching and grasping

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Human Factors

Background:

• Post-error slowing (PES) is typically studied in simple tasks using reaction time.
• Previous research identified PES in pre-movement planning and grasping during reach-to-grasp tasks.
• The current study aimed to investigate PES under increased cognitive load in a more ecologically relevant task.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore post-error adjustments in a reach-to-grasp task with added cognitive demands.
• To determine if increased task complexity affects the manifestation of PES.
• To further understand the flexibility and timing of post-error adjustments in motor behavior.

Main Methods:

• Participants (N=22) performed a reach-to-grasp task with a choice between target and distractor locations.
• Kinematic analyses were used to measure movement components and reaction time (RT).
• Task conditions were manipulated to increase cognitive demands.

Main Results:

• A significant main effect of task condition was observed on overall reaction time (RT).
• Increased cognitive demands did not significantly impact post-error slowing (PES) or other post-error adjustments.
• Post-error adjustments were observed during pre-movement planning, reaching, and grasping components.

Conclusions:

• Post-error adjustment is a flexible process evident across different stages of motor control.
• Findings support an intentional account of error reactivity, suggesting adjustments are actively implemented to enhance performance.
• The study extends the understanding of PES to more complex, ecologically valid tasks.