The preparation and control of reversal movements as a single unit of action.

Full Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that movement time and kinematic properties of limb trajectories to the first target of a two-target reversal movement differ to that of single-target responses. In the present study we investigated whether two-target reversal movements are organized as a single unit of action or two separate components by perturbing the number of targets prior to and during movement execution. In one experiment, participants performed single-target movements and on one-third of the trials a second target was presented either at target presentation, movement onset or peak velocity. On those trials in which a second target was presented, participants were required to complete their movement to the first target and then move to the second target. In a second experiment, the reverse was the case with participants performing two-target movements that changed to single-target movement on one-third of the trials. A two-target movement time advantage was observed only when the required response was specified prior to movement initiation. Also, participants failed to prevent movement towards the second target when the requirements of the task changed from a two-target to single-target response at movement onset or later. These results indicate that two-target reversal movements were organized as a single unit of action prior to response initiation.

Author information

Author/s: Khan, Michael A (MA); Tremblay, Luc (L); Cheng, Darian T (DT); Luis, Marlene (M); Mourton, Stuart J (SJ);

Affiliation: School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, George Building, Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales LL57 2PZ, UK. m.khan(-atsign-)bangor.ac.uk

Journal and publication information

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

Journal: Experimental brain research. Experimentelle Hirnforschung. Expérimentation cérébrale (Exp Brain Res), published in Germany. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-May; vol 187 (issue 1) : pp 33-40

Dates: Created 2008/04/17; Completed 2008/06/25;

PMID: 18231785, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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