Perceptual perturbation and adaptive process in the learning of a coincidente timing task

Abstract

Based on a non-equilibrium model of motor learning, it was performed a study to investigate the effect of perceptual perturbation in the adaptive process in motor learning. The experiment had two phases: stabilization and adaptation with 50 and 20 trials, respectively. The task consisted of executing a sequence of actions with the dominant hand in relation to a visual stimulus (anticipatory timing in a complex task). In the first phase, subjects performed a task with a visual stimulus at a constant speed equal for all groups. In the second phase, a perceptual perturbation characterized by a change in the speed of the visual stimulaton was inserted. The groups were divided accordingly to the perturbation: quick, slow, quick/slow and slow/quick. The results showed only indications that the group slow/quick had more difficulty to adapt.