Reproducing movement in the lower extremity using kinesthetic cues of distance and location

The purpose of this study was to determine if kinesthetic cues of distance or location serve as references in motor memory for reproducing movement in the lower extremity. Thirty normal subjects randomly reproduced criterion movements of 30, 60, and 90 degrees of knee flexion. Starting positions of the criterion and reproduction movements were varied. Reproducing distance required that subjects move the same amplitude as the criterion movement, while reproducing location involved moving to the end position of the criterion movement. Results showed that reproductions based on location were significantly (p less than .05) more accurate than those based on distance cues. Reproductions of 30 and 60 degrees were found to be significantly (p less than .05) less variable than 90-degree reproduction movements. The results were explained according to the theories that have been proposed for retention of kinesthetic distance and location cues in motor memory.