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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior

In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior

Published on: November 22, 2021

Proprioceptive integration in motor control.

Erik Skjoldan Mortensen¹, Mark Schram Christensen¹

¹Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, Copenhagen, Denmark.

The Journal of Physiology

|March 18, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Muscle vibration affects how we perceive limb position and speed by altering sensory signals. This study shows that perceived limb position and velocity errors are linked, supporting predictive models of movement control.

Keywords:

Ia afferent inference motor control movement speed muscle spindle muscle tendon vibration perception position estimation predictive coding proprioception sensorimotor control sensory integration velocity estimation

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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Motor Control
Proprioception

Background:

The central nervous system (CNS) uses proprioceptive signals for limb state estimation.
Muscle vibration, particularly of type Ia afferents, affects velocity perception.
Predictive models suggest velocity signals should influence position estimates.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate if sensed velocity influences perceived limb position during active movements.
To explore the correlation between perceived limb position and velocity errors.
To test hypotheses derived from Active Inference and Optimal Feedback Control frameworks.

Main Methods:

Utilized a virtual reality (VR)-based reaching task.
Applied muscle vibration to alter proprioceptive feedback.
Measured perceived movement speed, actual movement speed, and endpoint errors.

Main Results:

Muscle vibration led to overestimation of movement speed and actual slowing.
Movement speed and endpoint errors were correlated, influenced by vibration.
Adjustments in movement speed were rapid, suggesting reflexive responses.

Conclusions:

Proprioceptive velocity signals are integrated to enhance position inference.
Findings support predictive frameworks of sensorimotor control.
The CNS maintains a consistent limb state estimate across position and velocity domains.