Document Detail


Generalization of dynamics learning across changes in movement amplitude.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20463200     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Studies on generalization show the nature of how learning is encoded in the brain. Previous studies have shown rather limited generalization of dynamics learning across changes in movement direction, a finding that is consistent with the idea that learning is primarily local. In contrast, studies show a broader pattern of generalization across changes in movement amplitude, suggesting a more general form of learning. To understand this difference, we performed an experiment in which subjects held a robotic manipulandum and made movements to targets along the body midline. Subjects were trained in a velocity-dependent force field while moving to a 15 cm target. After training, subjects were tested for generalization using movements to a 30 cm target. We used force channels in conjunction with movements to the 30 cm target to assess the extent of generalization. Force channels restricted lateral movements and allowed us to measure force production during generalization. We compared actual lateral forces to the forces expected if dynamics learning generalized fully. We found that, during the test for generalization, subjects produced reliably less force than expected. Force production was appropriate for the portion of the transfer movement in which velocities corresponded to those experienced with the 15 cm target. Subjects failed to produce the expected forces when velocities exceeded those experienced in the training task. This suggests that dynamics learning generalizes little beyond the range of one's experience. Consistent with this result, subjects who trained on the 30 cm target showed full generalization to the 15 cm target. We performed two additional experiments that show that interleaved trials to the 30 cm target during training on the 15 cm target can resolve the difference between the current results and those reported previously.
Authors:
Andrew A G Mattar; David J Ostry
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't     Date:  2010-05-12
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of neurophysiology     Volume:  104     ISSN:  1522-1598     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Neurophysiol.     Publication Date:  2010 Jul 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-07-08     Completed Date:  2011-01-07     Revised Date:  2011-08-01    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  0375404     Medline TA:  J Neurophysiol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  426-38     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Algorithms
Analysis of Variance
Biomechanics
Energy Metabolism / physiology
Female
Generalization (Psychology) / physiology*
Humans
Learning / physiology*
Male
Movement / physiology*
Psychomotor Performance
Robotics
Young Adult
Grant Support
ID/Acronym/Agency:
HD-48924/HD/NICHD NIH HHS
Comments/Corrections

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