Modification of a functional motor task by non-consciously perceived sensory stimuli.

Full Abstract

In recent years it has been suggested that processing of visual information is divided between a ventral stream, responsible for object recognition and conscious processing of object properties, and a dorsal stream mediating automatic integration of visual information into a motor task. We used metacontrast masking to prevent conscious perception of visual cues concerning the load of an object to be lifted in a precision grip. It was found that when such non-consciously perceived cues warned of a load change, they allowed the subjects to produce the grip force profile appropriate to the new load. It is concluded that non-consciously perceived visual information can be utilised to adapt a functional motor task to actual conditions.

Author information

Author/s: Fellows, Stuart (S); Tabaza, Ruth (R); Heumann, Manfred (M); Klotz, Werner (W); Neumann, Odmar (O); Schwarz, Michael (M); Noth, Johannes (J); Töpper, Rudolf (R);

Affiliation: Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52057 Aachen, Germany.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Neuroreport (Neuroreport), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Apr; vol 13 (issue 5) : pp 637-40

Dates: Created 2002/04/25; Completed 2002/06/24; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 11973461, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

External Links for this article
(including full text providers, if available):

Click Electronic Full-text Provider Links to see options for finding the electronic full text links to this article. Note there may be a subscription or fee required for access to the full text. See our FAQ for information on finding FREE full text articles.

This article may also be located in paper journal collections available in many libraries. Use the Journal and Publication Information above to find the full article.