The sensorimotor system modulates muscular co-contraction relative to visuomotor feedback responses to regulate movement variability
Jan A. Calalo, Adam M. Roth, Rakshith Lokesh, Seth R. Sullivan, Jeremy D. Wong, Jennifer A. Semrau, Joshua G. A. Cashaback
Abstract
The sensorimotor system has the constant challenge of dealing with the naturally occurring variability in our movements. Here, we investigated the potential roles of muscular co-contraction and visuomotor feedback responses to regulate movement variability. When we visually amplified movements, we found that the sensorimotor system primarily uses muscular co-contraction to regulate movement variability. Interestingly, we found that muscular co-contraction was modulated relative to inherent visuomotor feedback responses, suggesting an interplay between impedance and feedback control.
Topics & Concepts
NeurosciencePsychologyMuscle contractionPhysical medicine and rehabilitationMedicineAnatomyMotor Control and AdaptationMuscle activation and electromyography studiesBalance, Gait, and Falls Prevention