Learning Motor Sequences with Altered Proprioception
Author Information
Author(s): Vidoni Eric D, Boyd Lara A
Primary Institution: University of Kansas Medical Center
Hypothesis
If proprioception was essential for motor sequence learning, altering this feedback during practice would be evident in accuracy measures at retention testing.
Conclusion
Participants were able to learn a continuous motor sequence despite altered proprioception and restricted visual feedback.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants learned the repeated segment despite altered proprioception.
- Vibration significantly affected proprioceptive sensation.
- Retention testing showed improved tracking ability for the sequence epoch.
Takeaway
Even when your body feels weird and you can't see what you're doing, you can still learn to do things like moving your arm in a pattern.
Methodology
Participants practiced a continuous tracking task over 2 days with altered proprioception and restricted visual feedback, followed by retention testing.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported data and the small sample size.
Limitations
The study may not generalize to all types of motor learning or to individuals with different sensory impairments.
Participant Demographics
Twenty-five healthy adults (9 males, 16 females; mean age 27.0 [range 22–43]) participated.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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