Journal Of Motor Behavior[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Unveiling the Intricacies of Implicit Motor Learning in Adults Recovered from COVID-19.
Oparina E, Antonio DS, Russo G … +2 more , Vieira ER, Bigliassi M
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41797493 · Publisher ↗
COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, but it has been linked to persistent neurocognitive deficits. Given the prefrontal cortex's role in cognitive-motor processing and implicit motor learning, this study examined...
COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, but it has been linked to persistent neurocognitive deficits. Given the prefrontal cortex's role in cognitive-motor processing and implicit motor learning, this study examined whether individuals recovered from COVID-19 exhibit impairments in reaction time and procedural learning. Eighty-four college students (COVID-recovered = 24; controls = 60) completed a remote serial reaction time task. The COVID-recovered group showed significantly slower reaction times than controls (Δ = 47.1; ω² = 0.127). No group differences emerged for implicit learning (Δ = 12.5; ω² ≈ 0). Regression analyses indicated COVID-19 status predicted slower reaction times (β = 0.520, = 0.048), independent of age, sex, BMI, and physical activity. These findings suggest residual cognitive-motor slowing following COVID-19 without impaired procedural learning.
Analyzing Entrainment of Finger Tapping and Auditory Stimuli in Humans.
Yamanaka T, Takeuchi S, Aoki A … +1 more , Nishida Y
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41770853 · Publisher ↗
Accuracy and precision in synchronization and phase coherence have often been used to assess entrainment. However, discrepancies between neural entrainment and behavioral performance have been reported. This study aimed...
Accuracy and precision in synchronization and phase coherence have often been used to assess entrainment. However, discrepancies between neural entrainment and behavioral performance have been reported. This study aimed to evaluate motor entrainment to auditory stimuli through phase synchronization measured finger tapping. Twenty healthy adults participated in a tapping task synchronized with auditory tones presented at six inter-tone intervals (400, 500, 600, 750, 1000, and 2000 ms) over a five-minute period per condition. Phase synchronization strength was quantified from the time-series data of auditory cues and tapping responses. Surrogate data analysis was used to assess the significance of phase synchronization, and effect sizes (Cohen's d) were calculated for each condition. Results showed significant phase coherence at 400, 500, 600, 750, and 1000 ms, with the strongest effect size observed at 400 ms. This condition also had the lowest likelihood of false positives in entrainment detection, suggesting that the 400 ms interval is the most reliable for evaluating motor-auditory entrainment.
Age-Related Differences in the One Target Advantage: Exploring the Impact of Augmented Sensory Feedback.
Mohammadalinezhad Kolahdouz S, Malone Q, Passmore SR … +2 more , Marotta JJ, Glazebrook CM
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41738783 · Publisher ↗
The one-target advantage (OTA) refers to faster execution of single-target movements compared to the same movement embedded in a two-target reaching sequence. While well documented in younger adults, little is known abou...
The one-target advantage (OTA) refers to faster execution of single-target movements compared to the same movement embedded in a two-target reaching sequence. While well documented in younger adults, little is known about OTA in older adults with age-related motor changes. This study examined whether augmented sensory feedback modulates goal-directed aiming during the OTA paradigm. Thirty right-handed participants (15 younger, 15 older adults) performed one- and two-target aiming tasks under vibrotactile (VT), auditory (A), and no-feedback (NF) conditions. Results showed that reaction time was shorter in the two-target task than in the one-target task under VT feedback ( = .002). Older adults demonstrated significantly shorter movement times with VT than with NF. Older adults showed greater undershooting in the two-target task under NF, which was reduced with VT feedback ( = .011). Additionally, older adults typically spent longer in the time after peak velocity, but VT feedback significantly reduced this duration. Overall, VT feedback improved both temporal and spatial measures, particularly for older adults. Auditory feedback showed limited effects, influencing only TAPV1 ( = .036). Together, these results highlight the potential of VT feedback to mitigate age-related motor performance declines.
Cross-Sectional Association of Spatial Cognition with Static and Dynamic Balance in Healthy Young Adults.
Roy B, Thomas A
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41728650 · Publisher ↗
Notable advancements are observed in recent years for understanding the intricate association between vestibular system and cognition, specially spatial information. Static and dynamic balance, both key vestibular functi...
Notable advancements are observed in recent years for understanding the intricate association between vestibular system and cognition, specially spatial information. Static and dynamic balance, both key vestibular functions, are linked to cognitive performance. In order to explore the relationship of both static and dynamic balance with spatial cognition in healthy young adults a total of 122 participants were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cognitive functions were assessed in three domains: mental rotation, spatial orientation, and visuospatial working memory. The associations between balance scores and spatial cognitive scores were evaluated using Spearman's rho correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Statistically significant correlations were identified in the relationship of spatial orientation and static balance as well as mental rotation and dynamic balance. No significant correlation was observed in case of visuospatial working memory. The present data demonstrate that spatial orientation and mental rotation are strong predictors of balance in healthy young adult population.
Comparison of Motor Learning Effects with a Different Focus of Attention on Movement Form Acquisition.
Wagatsuma K, Suzuki H, Matsuzaka D … +1 more , Fujisawa H
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41700657 · Publisher ↗
Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of external focus of attention (EFA) in motor learning. However, few have investigated its instructional effect on improving movement form. This study compared the motor l...
Many studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of external focus of attention (EFA) in motor learning. However, few have investigated its instructional effect on improving movement form. This study compared the motor learning effects of different attentional foci for promoting proper movement form. Thirty healthy young adults were randomly assigned to three groups: internal focus (IFA), external focus (EFA), and control. Participants performed a kneeling forward-reaching task, requiring them to maintain balance while reaching forward with both arms. Performance was evaluated by horizontal reach distance (from the lateral femoral epicondyle to the fingertip) and joint angles (shoulder, hip, and knee). The IFA group received cues to focus on body posture (e.g., "align arms with ears"), the EFA group on the target bar's position (e.g., "reach past the bar"), and the control group received no specific instruction. Compared to the EFA group, the IFA group demonstrated greater improvements in reach distance and form from the early acquisition phase, indicating superior motor learning. These results suggest that IFA-based verbal cues are effective when movement form is essential. Instructional strategies should be tailored to the demands of the task and attentional focus. Findings are discussed in the context of motor learning theory and clinical practice.
Investigation of Alpha Band Activity in Self-Paced and Externally-Paced Tasks: A Fitts and Posner Perspective.
Keshvari F, Farsi A, Abdoli B
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41672482 · Publisher ↗
This study explored Alpha band activity during automaticity in self- and externally-paced basketball tasks, per the Fitts and Posner model. Twenty male basketball players volunteered, split into elite and trained groups....
This study explored Alpha band activity during automaticity in self- and externally-paced basketball tasks, per the Fitts and Posner model. Twenty male basketball players volunteered, split into elite and trained groups. Alpha band power was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05). Results showed elite athletes had greater Alpha band activation than the trained group across both tasks. Alpha band activation was also higher in the free-throw task compared to pass-catching. This difference was more pronounced in the elite group; the trained group showed no significant Alpha band activity difference between tasks. Detailed elite group analysis revealed the free-throw task elicited higher Alpha band power in most cortical regions (excluding temporal and occipital areas) compared to pass-catching. Alpha band activity for the free-throw task was greater in the seconds leading up to execution, but no difference was observed between the two tasks during the actual execution. While self-paced findings align with the general neural efficiency hypothesis, elite Alpha band modulations during externally-paced tasks are better explained by the net neural efficiency and pulsed inhibition hypotheses. Overall, these findings highlight the need to revise neural-efficiency accounts from self-paced skills, explicitly considering perceptual-attentional processing demands imposed by dynamic, reactive, externally paced tasks.
Speed-Dependent Modulation of Gait Performance Under Visual Deprivation in Young Adults.
Oyama Y, Suzuki S
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41640097 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to examine the effects of the presence or absence of visual information (eyes open or eyes closed), leg dominance (dominant leg or nondominant leg), and gait speed (normal gait or maximum gait) on gait p...
This study aimed to examine the effects of the presence or absence of visual information (eyes open or eyes closed), leg dominance (dominant leg or nondominant leg), and gait speed (normal gait or maximum gait) on gait performance. The participants (30 young adults 21.3 ± 0.8 years) performed 10-m walking tests with a small triaxial accelerometer attached to their waist. They performed normal and maximum gait tests under two conditions: eyes open and eyes closed. The gait performance evaluation parameters were gait speed, stride, step length, cadence, stance phase, swing phase, double support phase and single support phase. The results of Bayesian mixed-effects model analysis showed that visual condition (eyes open) had a positive effect on many parameters during normal gait speed; however, this effect tended to decrease during maximum gait speed. There were no clear effects for leg dominance or its interaction with visual information. These results suggest that visual information plays an important role in gait control and that its effect depends on the gait speed. Therefore, gait evaluation based on differences in gait speed and sensory integration modalities might be useful in understanding the diversity of gait control mechanisms.
Self-Controlled Demonstration Improves Basketball Free Throw Learning, Independent of Motor Imagery Ability in Children.
Moradi J, Soufi F, Roozbahani S
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41601299 · Publisher ↗
This study examined the effects of self-controlled versus instructor-controlled demonstration on learning basketball free throws in children with different motor imagery abilities. Forty boys aged 9-12 were randomly assi...
This study examined the effects of self-controlled versus instructor-controlled demonstration on learning basketball free throws in children with different motor imagery abilities. Forty boys aged 9-12 were randomly assigned to four groups based on imagery ability (high/low) and demonstration type (self/instructor-controlled). In self-controlled conditions, participants could choose when to receive the skill demonstration from the instructor. Performance was evaluated using the basketball free throw test, and motor imagery ability was measured using the Motor Imagery Questionnaire for Children (MIQ-C). Following a pretest, participants trained for ten sessions every other day, with each session consisting of twenty throwing trials. Assessments included a post-test (after the last session) and retention and transfer tests (one week later). The results indicated that self-controlled groups performed better than instructor-controlled groups across all phases ( = .001). Additionally, skill learning was not significantly impacted by motor imagery ability ( > .05). These findings suggest that regardless of children's motor imagery skills, the self-controlled demonstration method enhances basketball free throw learning. The superiority of the self-controlled condition, regardless of imagery ability, emphasizes how crucial it is to give learners control over their training when it comes to learning basketball skills.
Feasibility and Validity of the Spatial Movement Sense Tests for Typically Developing Children.
Chu VW, Thomas JS, Davis S … +2 more , Amin N, Ali M
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41586713 · Publisher ↗
Thirty-one children (48% female, 55% White, 4-12 years) and twelve adults (67% female, 67% White, 18-50 years) participated in feasibility and validity testing of the Spatial Movement Sense tests. The Spatial Movement Se...
Thirty-one children (48% female, 55% White, 4-12 years) and twelve adults (67% female, 67% White, 18-50 years) participated in feasibility and validity testing of the Spatial Movement Sense tests. The Spatial Movement Sense tests assess the participant's ability to identify shape patterns based on how their hand moves (actively or passively) through a movement pattern without vision. All participants were able to complete the assessment. Results of our assessment are significantly correlated with endpoint position sense and support these tests as a valid proprioception assessment. There were also developmental trends and strong correlations with motor performance. The Spatial Movement Sense tests appear to be a promising tool for assessing proprioception in children.
Anticipatory and Motor Equivalence Responses of Sagittal Configuration to a Transient Volitional Task.
Glass S, Houchins B, Iskowitz N … +5 more , Mouer B, Tompkins A, Bushman N, Gardner M, Heffron M
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41582462 · Publisher ↗
Optimality in motor behavior is both task- and person-specific. Despite progress in theoretical models, clinical perspectives on optimal movement most commonly invoke between-subjects research findings studying imprecise...
Optimality in motor behavior is both task- and person-specific. Despite progress in theoretical models, clinical perspectives on optimal movement most commonly invoke between-subjects research findings studying imprecise constructs, and the implications for practice are far-reaching. Clarifying the theory and evidence concerning optimality in movement is essential for informed application of these nuanced concepts. We studied motor performance effects of optimality in bipedal sagittal configuration, a behavior of disputed significance in disease explanatory frameworks. Sixteen healthy young adults performed bipedal standing tasks under 2 non-optimal stance configurations (toes up, toes down) intended to induce a range of initial displacement from our surrogate for optimal (flat). Goal-equivalent variance (GEV) in joint angle displacement was quantified using an uncontrolled manifold approach. Bipedal standing was periodically interrupted by "mini-squats", around which we quantified the effects of proximity to optimal configuration on 1) motor equivalent (ME) deviation pre-to-post squat, and 2) anticipatory GEV constriction. Toes-up stance was associated with greater pre-to-post squat ME deviation and greater anticipatory GEV constriction, both consistent with greater initial displacement from optimality. These observations partially support our hypothesis that bipedal sagittal configuration is subject to optimality, which informs ongoing debates concerning the role of movement optimality in health and disease.
Modified Box and Block Test to Assess the Roles of Vision and Somatosensation.
Lu T, Hawe RL
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41489487 · Publisher ↗
Reaching and grasping require a combination of visual and somatosensory feedback, both of which can be impaired in neurologic conditions. We examined the effect of removing vision on individuals' ability to perform the B...
Reaching and grasping require a combination of visual and somatosensory feedback, both of which can be impaired in neurologic conditions. We examined the effect of removing vision on individuals' ability to perform the Box and Block Test, and compared the effect between younger and older adults and in a small pilot sample of individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Thirty young adults, 16 older adults, and 4 individuals with chronic stroke completed the Box and Block Test with each hand with vision and then with vision occluded. Both younger and older adults had reductions in performance when vision was removed of approximately 27%, with no differences found between age groups or hands. Preliminary data from adults with stroke demonstrated variable performance with the reduction in performance for the less affected hand ranging from 22%-44.4% and for the more affected hand from 42.9%-73.2%. We did not detect any age-related differences in the reliance on vision in our sample. We found that it is feasible to use a modified Box and Block test to assess visual reliance versus somatosensory feedback, and it may be used as a clinically feasible tool for clinical populations, including stroke.
Effects of Symmetry and Age on Bilateral Upper-Limb Coordination in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy.
Kemmel-Bartletti CJ, Goodfriend K, Sytsma M … +2 more , Schindler-Ivens S, Nemanich ST
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41482733 · Full text
Bilateral movements are important for daily function and are impaired in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Prior work has established that coordination is dependent on symmetry demands between the limbs. We...
Bilateral movements are important for daily function and are impaired in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (UCP). Prior work has established that coordination is dependent on symmetry demands between the limbs. We examined how symmetry impacted bilateral coordination, and as an exploratory aim, compared age-related differences in upper-limb (UL) coordination in children with UCP to children with typical development (TD). Using an instrumented cycling device, participants performed bilateral UL cycling in symmetric or asymmetric patterns. Metrics of inter-limb (phase error) coordination were compared between groups (TD or UCP) and with respect to age (young: 7-9 years; older: 13-15 years). Children with UCP had poorer inter-limb coordination in both symmetric (50.88°) and asymmetric (93.22°) bilateral tasks compared to TD children. Younger children, regardless of group, had poorer inter-limb coordination for the asymmetric (32.54°) bilateral task only. Regression modeling revealed UCP, age, and unilateral coordination ability were significantly associated with asymmetric bilateral coordination. The results indicate that bilateral coordination skills reflect atypical processes related to UCP and typical age-related motor development, particularly for more complex asymmetric tasks. Altogether, this research confirms children with UCP have impaired bilateral coordination and highlights potential for future work to study developmental changes in this population.
The Effects of Physical Activity on Bilateral Transfer in Young Adults.
Cochran SM, Aiken CA
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41482732 · Publisher ↗
Transfer between limbs in younger adults is typically asymmetrical, with greater changes observed in one limb following practice with the other limb, depending on the controlling hemisphere (Pan & van Gemmert). This asym...
Transfer between limbs in younger adults is typically asymmetrical, with greater changes observed in one limb following practice with the other limb, depending on the controlling hemisphere (Pan & van Gemmert). This asymmetry is linked to lateralized hemispheric control of movement (Sainburg), irrespective of high (HPA) or low (LPA) levels of physical activity (McGregor et al.). Acute exercise affects motor skill transfer (Neva et al.). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of reported chronic physical activity level on bilateral transfer in young adults. Fifty young right-handed participants (18-30) were grouped by physical activity level and randomly assigned a training limb. Individuals performed a 30° visual rotation drawing task. Pretest established baseline performance of each limb, followed by 40 practice trials on the assigned limb. Post-tests mirrored pretests assessing changes. HPA improved movement time (MT), normalized jerk (NJ), trajectory length (TL), and initial direction error (IDE) in the dominant limb following non-dominant practice ( < .05). LPA showed symmetrical transfer for IDE ( < .05), with improvements in either limb following training. HPA elicited asymmetric transfer of motor planning parameters. LPA elicited symmetric transfer, indicating compensatory ipsilateral hemispheric control, like older adults (Cabeza et al.).
Proprioceptive Acuity of the Ankle is Higher in Plantarflexion than in Dorsiflexion.
Lee YT, Mirbagheri F, Zhou X … +1 more , Konczak J
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41427613 · Publisher ↗
Intact ankle proprioception is essential for the control of balance and gait. This study determined ankle position sense acuity for plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. In two separate assessments, the right ankle of 30 heal...
Intact ankle proprioception is essential for the control of balance and gait. This study determined ankle position sense acuity for plantarflexion and dorsiflexion. In two separate assessments, the right ankle of 30 healthy young adults was passively rotated from neutral joint position to a 15° reference position and a smaller comparison position in either plantar- or dorsiflexion. Subsequently, participants verbally indicated which position felt more flexed. After 25 trials, a psychometric function was fitted to the respective response-stimulus size difference data for each participant. Two outcome measures were derived: a Just-Noticeable-Difference (JND) threshold as a measure of systematic error and an Uncertainty Area (UA) indicating random error. Analysis showed that 70% (21/30) of participants exhibited lower JND thresholds for plantarflexion. Mean JND threshold and median UA were both significantly lower in plantarflexion when compared to dorsiflexion ( = 0.008, = 0.52; = 0.001, = 0.58) indicating that ankle proprioceptive acuity was not uniform for sagittal plane ankle motion. We discuss differences in plantar and dorsiflexor muscle mechanoreceptor density and central proprioceptive signal processing as possible reasons for the observed differences in acuity and highlight the importance of understanding movement-specific proprioceptive acuity for designing effective rehabilitation protocols.
Identifying Key Predictors of Gait Speed in Individuals with Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Karaca O, Kartal Ş
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41400271 · Publisher ↗
One of the most important targets after stroke, which is a major cause of disability worldwide, is to improve gait ability. Although many different parameters required for gait improvement are known, determining the key...
One of the most important targets after stroke, which is a major cause of disability worldwide, is to improve gait ability. Although many different parameters required for gait improvement are known, determining the key parameters is of great importance. This study aims to identify key parameters that predict gait speed in individuals with stroke, with a particular focus on motor and sensory components. A total of 41 individuals with stroke participated in the study. Gait speed, balance, muscle strength, motor functions, spasticity, proprioception, and plantar cutaneous sensation were assessed by 2-min walk test, Berg Balance Scale, hand-held dynamometer, Fugl Meyer assessment-lower extremity, Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, repositioning error, and Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test, respectively. In this study, gait speed was correlated with all parameters except for plantar cutaneous sensation. Balance and lower extremity muscle strength were found to be the main parameters predicting gait speed (Adj. = 0.656, < 0.001). Furthermore, hip flexor muscle strength emerged as an important predictor of gait speed among the lower extremity muscle groups (Adj. = 0.618, < 0.001). The findings indicate that balance and lower extremity muscle strength, particularly hip flexor muscle strength, may serve as potential targets for interventions to increase gait speed, although the statistical results do not imply causality.
Effects of Point-Light Technique Action Observation Training in Patients with Stroke: A Randomised Controlled Study.
Lee SH, Yang YM, Park JH
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41340514 · Publisher ↗
This study examined the effects of point-light action observation therapy (PL-AOT) on muscle activation, upper extremity function, and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. Thirty-two participants were ran...
This study examined the effects of point-light action observation therapy (PL-AOT) on muscle activation, upper extremity function, and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke patients. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to either a PL-AOT group or a traditional AOT group. Both groups received 30-minute sessions, five times a week for four weeks. Assessments included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), Box and Block Test (BBT), Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), Motor Activity Log (MAL), and surface electromyography (sEMG). Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcomes after the intervention ( < .05). However, the PL-AOT group demonstrated significantly greater gains in upper extremity function, ADLs, and muscle activation compared to the traditional AOT group ( < .05). Additionally, co-contraction ratios indicated positive changes in shoulder and elbow joint coordination only in the PL-AOT group. These findings suggest that PL-AOT may be more effective than traditional AOT in promoting motor recovery and functional improvements in individuals with stroke.
Skill Differentiation in Wrestling: Relationship Between Muscle Complexity and Local Dynamic Stability in Neuromuscular Control.
Esfandiarian-Nasab K, Eslami M, Salari-Esker F … +1 more , Yousefpour R
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41324336 · Publisher ↗
Complexity and local dynamic stability (LDS) of electromyographic (EMG) signals are valuable indicators for understanding motor control mechanisms and distinguishing skill levels in dynamic sports such as wrestling. This...
Complexity and local dynamic stability (LDS) of electromyographic (EMG) signals are valuable indicators for understanding motor control mechanisms and distinguishing skill levels in dynamic sports such as wrestling. This study investigates the relationship between complexity and LDS of EMG signals to understand the neuromuscular mechanisms underlying skill differentiation in wrestling. The complexity [using the Higuchi fractal dimension (FD)] and LDS [using the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE)] activity of the upper limb muscles were calculated in elite and sub-elite wrestlers ( = 72) during the arm-drag and double-leg attack techniques. The correlation between complexity and LDS was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient, and random forest analysis was used to determine their importance in differentiating skill levels. Elite wrestlers showed higher complexity, LDS, and correlation between complexity and LDS in EMG signals than sub-elite wrestlers. Random forest analysis showed that complexity is more important than LDS in differentiating skill levels. The findings show that training programs should be designed according to athletes' skill levels. Training programs should adopt a phased approach, initially targeting LDS and motor control and integrating complex exercises to promote adaptability and variability in motor responses. This approach can help athletes improve their motor control and achieve higher skill levels.
Unique Control of Upstrokes and Downstrokes Yields Expressive Dynamics in Percussion.
Loria T, Teich JE, Tan M … +3 more , Zhang JJ, Huang A, Thaut MH
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 41247277 · Publisher ↗
Sixteen right-handed percussionists performed a musical excerpt under crescendo and decrescendo conditions to explore kinematic and directional motor control strategies in percussion dynamics. Motion capture technology m...
Sixteen right-handed percussionists performed a musical excerpt under crescendo and decrescendo conditions to explore kinematic and directional motor control strategies in percussion dynamics. Motion capture technology measured mallet and hand movements to analyze peak mallet/hand height and velocity for each stroke, as well as average mallet/hand position and velocity during upstrokes (mallet trajectory from playing surface to peak height) and downstrokes (trajectory from peak height to playing surface). These measures assessed execution and directional control, respectively. Results showed that peak mallet heights increased from notes 1-4 during crescendos and decreased over the same range during decrescendos, coinciding with increased and decreased peak hand velocity. During crescendos, the left mallet and hand were consistently elevated higher above the playing surface than the right. Within the right hand effects were localized to the velocity domain. For upstrokes, hand velocity was lower in crescendos versus decrescendos, while velocity was higher for downstrokes in crescendos. These findings indicate distinct motor control strategies contributing to the directional control and execution of sound-producing movements, emphasizing limb-specific mechanisms that could inform percussion pedagogy.
Laser-Guided Visual Cueing Modulates Spatiotemporal Gait Dynamics During Transitions in Parkinson's.
Abbasi H, Ashtiani MN
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41231138 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the impact of real-time laser-guided visual cues on spatiotemporal gait parameters during initiation and termination in people with Parkinson's (PwP). Fifteen PwP walked a 5-m path under uncued an...
This study investigated the impact of real-time laser-guided visual cues on spatiotemporal gait parameters during initiation and termination in people with Parkinson's (PwP). Fifteen PwP walked a 5-m path under uncued and laser-cued conditions while gait kinematics and center of pressure (CoP) data were collected. Results revealed that laser-guided visual cues significantly increased anterior-posterior CoP displacement during the propelling phase of gait initiation ( = .016) and improved dynamic stability, evidenced by reduced lateral asymmetry ( = .007) and decreased fractal dimension of lateral gait variability ( = .001). Conversely, step time increased ( = .005) and step velocity decreased ( < .001) with cueing, while step length remained unchanged. No significant effects of cueing were observed during gait termination. These findings suggest that laser-guided visual cues enhance gait initiation in PwP by promoting propulsion and stability, likely by facilitating an external focus of attention and improving anticipatory postural adjustments. The lack of effect on gait termination may reflect differing neural control mechanisms. This study contributes to the understanding of laser-guided visual cueing mechanisms in PwP gait and supports its potential as a targeted intervention for improving functional mobility, particularly during the challenging phase of gait initiation.
Mental Fatigue Impairs Motor Performance but Not Motor Learning in Fatigued or Non-Fatigued Conditions.
Godoi Filho JRM, Abreu TFO, Vieira QR … +4 more , Bueno GR, Freitas AS, Silva JBD, Bonuzzi GMG
J Mot Behav · 2026 · PMID 41231136 · Publisher ↗
We investigated the influence of mental fatigue on motor performance and learning. Additionally, we examined whether practicing under mental fatigue induces resilience in future performance under similar fatigue conditio...
We investigated the influence of mental fatigue on motor performance and learning. Additionally, we examined whether practicing under mental fatigue induces resilience in future performance under similar fatigue conditions. Ninety-two participants were randomly assigned to a Mental Fatigue group (MENTAL-FATIGUE) or a Control group (CONTROL). The MENTAL-FATIGUE group completed a 30-minute Stroop task before practice, while the CONTROL group watched a movie. All participants practiced a Visuomotor Tracking Task (VTT). The experiment occurred over three days. On Day 1, participants completed a pretest (1 block of 5 trials), followed by their respective fatigue protocols, then practiced the VTT over 10 blocks. A post-test (1 block) followed the practice. On Day 2, participants performed a retention test under non-fatigued conditions. On Day 3, all participants completed the Stroop task and performed a fatigued retention test. Mental fatigue levels were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale before and after the fatigue protocols and at the end of Day 1. Motor performance was evaluated through the mean and variability of coincidence timing in the VTT. Results showed that mental fatigue impaired motor performance during acquisition but did not affect motor learning. Practicing under fatigue did not enhance future performance under similar conditions.
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