scholarly journals Observing motor learning produces somatosensory change

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (8) ◽  
pp. 1804-1810 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolò F. Bernardi ◽  
Mohammad Darainy ◽  
Emanuela Bricolo ◽  
David J. Ostry
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Force Field ◽  
Observational Learning ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Visual Observation ◽  
Video Observation ◽  
Physical Practice ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Somatosensory Function

Observing the actions of others has been shown to affect motor learning, but does it have effects on sensory systems as well? It has been recently shown that motor learning that involves actual physical practice is also associated with plasticity in the somatosensory system. Here, we assessed the idea that observational learning likewise changes somatosensory function. We evaluated changes in somatosensory function after human subjects watched videos depicting motor learning. Subjects first observed video recordings of reaching movements either in a clockwise or counterclockwise force field. They were then trained in an actual force-field task that involved a counterclockwise load. Measures of somatosensory function were obtained before and after visual observation and also following force-field learning. Consistent with previous reports, video observation promoted motor learning. We also found that somatosensory function was altered following observational learning, both in direction and in magnitude, in a manner similar to that which occurs when motor learning is achieved through actual physical practice. Observation of the same sequence of movements in a randomized order did not result in somatosensory perceptual change. Observational learning and real physical practice appear to tap into the same capacity for sensory change in that subjects that showed a greater change following observational learning showed a reliably smaller change following physical motor learning. We conclude that effects of observing motor learning extend beyond the boundaries of traditional motor circuits, to include somatosensory representations.

scholarly journals Somatosensory Perceptual Training Enhances Motor Learning by Observing

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. McGregor ◽  
Joshua G.A. Cashaback ◽  
Paul L. Gribble
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Force Field ◽  
Motor Performance ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Functional Plasticity ◽  
Perceptual Training ◽  
Learning Group ◽  
Neurophysiological Studies ◽  
Somatosensory Function

AbstractNeuroimaging and neurophysiological studies in humans have demonstrated that action observation activates brain regions involved in sensory-motor control. A growing body of work has shown that action observation can also facilitate motor learning; observing a tutor undergoing motor learning results in functional plasticity within the motor system and gains in subsequent motor performance. However, the effects of observing motor learning extend beyond the motor domain. Converging evidence suggests that learning also results in somatosensory functional plasticity and somatosensory perceptual changes. This work has raised the possibility that the somatosensory system is also involved in motor learning that results from observation. Here we tested this hypothesis using a somatosensory perceptual training paradigm. If the somatosensory system is indeed involved in motor learning by observing, then improving subjects' somatosensory function before observation should enhance subsequent observation-related gains in motor performance. Subjects performed a proprioceptive discrimination task in which a robotic manipulandum moved the subject’s passive upper limb and he or she made judgments about the position of the hand. Subjects in a Trained Learning group received trial-by-trial feedback to improve their proprioceptive acuity. Subjects in an Untrained Learning group performed the same task without feedback. All subjects then observed a learning video showing a tutor adapting her reaches to a left force field (FF). We found that subjects in the Trained Learning group, who had superior proprioceptive acuity prior to observation, benefited more from observing learning compared to subjects in the Untrained Learning group. Improving somatosensory function can therefore enhance subsequent observation-related gains in motor learning. This study provides further evidence in favor of the involvement of the somatosensory system in motor learning by observing.AbbreviationsFF:Force fieldPD:Maximum perpendicular deviationIQR:interquartile rangeThe authors report no financial interests or conflicts of interests.

scholarly journals Somatosensory perceptual training enhances motor learning by observing

2018 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 3017-3025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather R. McGregor ◽  
Joshua G. A. Cashaback ◽  
Paul L. Gribble
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Motor System ◽  
Action Observation ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Functional Plasticity ◽  
Perceptual Training ◽  
Learning Group ◽  
Sensory Motor ◽  
Somatosensory Function

Action observation activates brain regions involved in sensory-motor control. Recent research has shown that action observation can also facilitate motor learning; observing a tutor undergoing motor learning results in functional plasticity within the motor system and gains in subsequent motor performance. However, the effects of observing motor learning extend beyond the motor domain. Converging evidence suggests that observation also results in somatosensory functional plasticity and somatosensory perceptual changes. This work has raised the possibility that the somatosensory system is also involved in motor learning that results from observation. Here we tested this hypothesis using a somatosensory perceptual training paradigm. If the somatosensory system is indeed involved in motor learning by observing, then improving subjects' somatosensory function before observation should enhance subsequent motor learning by observing. Subjects performed a proprioceptive discrimination task in which a robotic manipulandum moved the arm, and subjects made judgments about the position of their hand. Subjects in a Trained Learning group received trial-by-trial feedback to improve their proprioceptive perception. Subjects in an Untrained Learning group performed the same task without feedback. All subjects then observed a learning video showing a tutor adapting her reaches to a left force field. Subjects in the Trained Learning group, who had superior proprioceptive acuity before observation, benefited more from observing learning than subjects in the Untrained Learning group. Improving somatosensory function can therefore enhance subsequent observation-related gains in motor learning. This study provides further evidence in favor of the involvement of the somatosensory system in motor learning by observing. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that improving somatosensory performance before observation can improve the extent to which subjects learn from watching others. Somatosensory perceptual training may prime the sensory-motor system, thereby facilitating subsequent observational learning. The findings of this study suggest that the somatosensory system supports motor learning by observing. This finding may be useful if observation is incorporated as part of therapies for diseases affecting movement, such as stroke.

scholarly journals Exploring Disturbance as a Force for Good in Motor Learning

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack Brookes ◽  
Faisal Mushtaq ◽  
Earle Jamieson ◽  
Aaron J. Fath ◽  
Geoffrey P. Bingham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Force Field ◽  
Formal Model ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Active Inference ◽  
Random Group ◽  
Energy Principle ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Entropy Reduction ◽  
Haptic Assistance

AbstractDisturbance forces facilitate motor learning, but theoretical explanations for this counterintuitive phenomenon are lacking. Smooth arm movements require predictions (inference) about the force-field associated with a workspace. The Free Energy Principle (FEP) suggests that such ‘active inference’ is driven by ‘surprise’. We used these insights to create a formal model that explains why disturbance helps learning. In two experiments, participants undertook a continuous tracking task where they learned how to move their arm in different directions through a novel 3D force field. We compared baseline performance before and after exposure to the novel field to quantify learning. In Experiment 1, the exposure phases (but not the baseline measures) were delivered under three different conditions: (i) robot haptic assistance; (ii) no guidance; (iii) robot haptic disturbance. The disturbance group showed the best learning as our model predicted. Experiment 2 further tested our FEP inspired model. Assistive and/or disturbance forces were applied as a function of performance (low surprise), and compared to a random error manipulation (high surprise). The random group showed the most improvement as predicted by the model. Thus, motor learning can be conceptualised as a process of entropy reduction. Short term motor strategies (e.g. global impedance) can mitigate unexpected perturbations, but continuous movements require active inference about external force-fields in order to create accurate internal models of the external world (motor learning). Our findings reconcile research on the relationship between noise, variability, and motor learning, and show that information is the currency of motor learning.

Visual Cues Signaling Object Grasp Reduce Interference in Motor Learning

2009 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 2112-2120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Cothros ◽  
Jeremy Wong ◽  
Paul L. Gribble
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Force Field ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Visual Feedback ◽  
Visual Cues ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Virtual Object ◽  
Robot Arm ◽  
Object A ◽  
Single Force

Recent motor learning studies show that human subjects and nonhuman primates form neural representations of novel mechanical environments and associated forces. Whereas proficient adaptation is seen for a single force field, when faced with multiple novel force environments, movement performance and in particular the ability to switch between different force environments declines. It is difficult to reconcile these findings with the notion that primates can proficiently switch between multiple motor skills. Conceivably, particular kinds of sensory, cognitive, or perceptual contextual cues are required. This study examined the effect of visual feedback on motor learning, in particular, cues that simulated interaction with a virtual object. A robot arm was used to deliver novel patterns of forces (force fields) to the limb during reaching movements. We tested the possibility that subjects transition more easily between novel forces and their sudden absence when they are accompanied by visual cues that relate to object grasp. We used a virtual display system to present subjects with different kinds of visual feedback during reaching, including illusory feedback, indicating grasp of a virtual object during reaching in the force field, and object release in the absence of forces. Throughout the experiment, subjects in fact maintained grasp of the robot. We found that, indeed, the most effective visual cues were those associating the force field with grasp of the virtual object and the absence of the force field with release of the object. Our findings show more broadly that specific visual cues can protect motor skills from interference.

Therapeutic Management of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media with Otic Drops

1993 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
David O. Merifield ◽  
Nancy J. Parker ◽  
Nannette C. Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Otitis Media ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media ◽  
Suppurative Otitis Media ◽  
Hearing Sensitivity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Ventilation Tubes ◽  
Bone Conduction Hearing

The use of potentially ototoxic topical drugs is controversial. Few experimental reports of audiometric data from human subjects exist. The purpose of this study is to determine if a significant difference between bone conduction hearing sensitivity before and after otic drop treatment for children with chronic suppurative otitis media and patent ventilation tubes exists. A statistical analysis of sensorineural threshold status after treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media with otic drops is presented.

scholarly journals Motor learning in reaching tasks leads to homogenization of task space error distribution

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puneet Singh ◽  
Oishee Ghosal ◽  
Aditya Murthy ◽  
Ashitava Ghodal
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Force Field ◽  
Error Distribution ◽  
Task Space ◽  
Field Perturbation ◽  
Directional Dependence ◽  
Reaching Tasks ◽  
Space Error ◽  
Human Arm ◽  
Point To Point

A human arm, up to the wrist, is often modelled as a redundant 7 degree-of-freedom serial robot. Despite its inherent nonlinearity, we can perform point-to-point reaching tasks reasonably fast and with reasonable accuracy in the presence of external disturbances and noise. In this work, we take a closer look at the task space error during point-to-point reaching tasks and learning during an external force-field perturbation. From experiments and quantitative data, we confirm a directional dependence of the peak task space error with certain directions showing larger errors than others at the start of a force-field perturbation, and the larger errors are reduced with repeated trials implying learning. The analysis of the experimental data further shows that a) the distribution of the peak error is made more uniform across directions with trials and the error magnitude and distribution approaches the value when no perturbation is applied, b) the redundancy present in the human arm is used more in the direction of the larger error, and c) homogenization of the error distribution is not seen when the reaching task is performed with the non-dominant hand. The results support the hypothesis that not only magnitude of task space error, but the directional dependence is reduced during motor learning and the workspace is homogenized possibly to increase the control efficiency and accuracy in point-to-point reaching tasks. The results also imply that redundancy in the arm is used to homogenize the workspace, and additionally since the bio-mechanically similar dominant and non-dominant arms show different behaviours, the homogenizing is actively done in the central nervous system.

scholarly journals Increase in weighting of vision vs. proprioception associated with force field adaptation

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon M. Sexton ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Hannah J. Block
Keyword(s):  
Force Field ◽  
Position Sense ◽  
Multisensory Perception ◽  
Hand Position ◽  
Null Field ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Force Field Adaptation ◽  
Perceptual Changes ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Straight Ahead

AbstractHand position can be encoded by vision, via an image on the retina, and proprioception (position sense), via sensors in the joints and muscles. The brain is thought to weight and combine available sensory estimates to form an integrated multisensory estimate of hand position with which to guide movement. Force field adaptation, a form of cerebellum-dependent motor learning in which reaches are systematically adjusted to compensate for a somatosensory perturbation, is associated with both motor and proprioceptive changes. The cerebellum has connections with parietal regions thought to be involved in multisensory integration; however, it is unknown if force adaptation is associated with changes in multisensory perception. One possibility is that force adaptation affects all relevant sensory modalities similarly, such that the brain’s weighting of vision vs. proprioception is maintained. Alternatively, the somatosensory perturbation might be interpreted as proprioceptive unreliability, resulting in vision being up-weighted relative to proprioception. We assessed visuo-proprioceptive weighting with a perceptual estimation task before and after subjects performed straight-ahead reaches grasping a robotic manipulandum. Each subject performed one session with a clockwise or counter-clockwise velocity-dependent force field, and one session in a null field to control for perceptual changes not specific to force adaptation. Subjects increased their weight of vision vs. proprioception in the force field session relative to the null field session, regardless of force field direction, in the straight-ahead dimension (F1,44 = 5.13, p = 0.029). This suggests that force field adaptation is associated with an increase in the brain’s weighting of vision vs. proprioception.

scholarly journals Learning to play the piano with the Supernumerary Robotic 3rd Thumb

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Shafti ◽  
Shlomi Haar ◽  
Renato Mio Zaldivar ◽  
Pierre Guilleminot ◽  
A. Aldo Faisal
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Time Scales ◽  
Motor Coordination ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Musical Score ◽  
Short Time ◽  
Human Augmentation ◽  
Individual Motor ◽  
Individual Human

AbstractWe wanted to study the ability of our brains and bodies to be augmented by supernumerary robot limbs, here extra fingers. We developed a mechanically highly functional supernumerary robotic 3rd thumb actuator, the SR3T, and interfaced it with human users enabling them to play the piano with 11 fingers. We devised a set of measurement protocols and behavioural “biomarkers”, the Human Augmentation Motor Coordination Assessment (HAMCA), which allowed us a priori to predict how well each individual human user could, after training, play the piano with a two-thumbs-hand. To evaluate augmented music playing ability we devised a simple musical score, as well as metrics for assessing the accuracy of playing the score. We evaluated the SR3T (supernumerary robotic 3rd thumb) on 12 human subjects including 6 naïve and 6 experienced piano players. We demonstrated that humans can learn to play the piano with a 6-fingered hand within one hour of training. For each subject we could predict individually, based solely on their HAMCA performance before training, how well they were able to perform with the extra robotic thumb, after training (training end-point performance). Our work demonstrates the feasibility of robotic human augmentation with supernumerary robotic limbs within short time scales. We show how linking the neuroscience of motor learning with dexterous robotics and human-robot interfacing can be used to inform a priori how far individual motor impaired patients or healthy manual workers could benefit from robotic augmentation solutions.

scholarly journals Determination of plasma glucose enrichment in human subjects after primed, constant infusions of 13C‐glycine before and after dietary vitamin B‐6 restriction

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (S1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Rodrigues Silva ◽  
Yvonne Lamers ◽  
Maria Ralat ◽  
Lesa Gilbert ◽  
Christine Keeling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Glucose ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Dietary Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Before And After

scholarly journals Measurement of renal tissue oxygenation with blood oxygen level-dependent MRI and oxygen transit modeling

2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (6) ◽  
pp. F579-F587 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff L. Zhang ◽  
Glen Morrell ◽  
Henry Rusinek ◽  
Lizette Warner ◽  
Pierre-Hugues Vivier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Oxygenation ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Blood Oxygen Level Dependent ◽  
Renal Tissue ◽  
Blood Oxygen ◽  
Oxygen Level ◽  
Blood Oxygen Level ◽  
Healthy Human ◽  
Bold Mri ◽  
Before And After

Blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) MRI data of kidney, while indicative of tissue oxygenation level (Po2), is in fact influenced by multiple confounding factors, such as R2, perfusion, oxygen permeability, and hematocrit. We aim to explore the feasibility of extracting tissue Po2 from renal BOLD data. A method of two steps was proposed: first, a Monte Carlo simulation to estimate blood oxygen saturation (SHb) from BOLD signals, and second, an oxygen transit model to convert SHb to tissue Po2. The proposed method was calibrated and validated with 20 pigs (12 before and after furosemide injection) in which BOLD-derived tissue Po2 was compared with microprobe-measured values. The method was then applied to nine healthy human subjects (age: 25.7 ± 3.0 yr) in whom BOLD was performed before and after furosemide. For the 12 pigs before furosemide injection, the proposed model estimated renal tissue Po2 with errors of 2.3 ± 5.2 mmHg (5.8 ± 13.4%) in cortex and −0.1 ± 4.5 mmHg (1.7 ± 18.1%) in medulla, compared with microprobe measurements. After injection of furosemide, the estimation errors were 6.9 ± 3.9 mmHg (14.2 ± 8.4%) for cortex and 2.6 ± 4.0 mmHg (7.7 ± 11.5%) for medulla. In the human subjects, BOLD-derived medullary Po2 increased from 16.0 ± 4.9 mmHg (SHb: 31 ± 11%) at baseline to 26.2 ± 3.1 mmHg (SHb: 53 ± 6%) at 5 min after furosemide injection, while cortical Po2 did not change significantly at ∼58 mmHg (SHb: 92 ± 1%). Our proposed method, validated with a porcine model, appears promising for estimating tissue Po2 from renal BOLD MRI data in human subjects.

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