Neuromuscular adaptation during skill acquisition on a two degree-of-freedom target-acquisition task: isometric torque production

Jonathan Shemmell; Matthew Forner; James R Tresilian; Stephan Riek; Benjamin K Barry; Richard G Carson

doi:10.1152/jn.00670.2004

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Neuromuscular adaptation during skill acquisition on a two degree-of-freedom target-acquisition task: isometric torque production

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Neuromuscular adaptation during skill acquisition on a two degree-of-freedom target-acquisition task: isometric torque production

Jonathan Shemmell, Matthew Forner, James R Tresilian, Stephan Riek, Benjamin K Barry and Richard G Carson

Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol.94(5), pp.3046-3057

2005

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00670.2004

PMID: 15944230

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Abstract

Psychomotor Performance

Motor Neurons - physiology

Torque

Synaptic Transmission - physiology

Motor Skills - physiology

Humans

Adaptation, Physiological - physiology

Male

Muscle, Skeletal - physiology

Learning - physiology

Neuronal Plasticity - physiology

Wrist Joint - physiology

Adult

Female

Electromyography

Postural Balance - physiology

Motion Perception - physiology

Isometric Contraction - physiology

Neuromuscular Junction - physiology

In this study we attempted to identify the principles that govern the changes in neural control that occur during repeated performance of a multiarticular coordination task. Eight participants produced isometric flexion/extension and pronation/supination torques at the radiohumeral joint, either in isolation (e.g., flexion) or in combination (e.g., flexion-supination), to acquire targets presented by a visual display. A cursor superimposed on the display provided feedback of the applied torques. During pre- and postpractice tests, the participants acquired targets in eight directions located either 3.6 cm (20% maximal voluntary contraction [MVC]) or 7.2 cm (40% MVC) from a neutral cursor position. On each of five consecutive days of practice the participants acquired targets located 5.4 cm (30% MVC) from the neutral position. EMG was recorded from eight muscles contributing to torque production about the radiohumeral joint during the pre- and posttests. Target-acquisition time decreased significantly with practice in most target directions and at both target torque levels. These performance improvements were primarily associated with increases in the peak rate of torque development after practice. At a muscular level, these changes were brought about by increases in the rates of recruitment of all agonist muscles. The spatiotemporal organization of muscle synergies was not significantly altered after practice. The observed adaptations appear to lead to performances that are generalizable to actions that require both greater and smaller joint torques than that practiced, and may be successfully recalled after a substantial period without practice. These results suggest that tasks in which performance is improved by increasing the rate of muscle activation, and thus the rate of joint torque development, may benefit in terms of the extent to which acquired levels of performance are maintained over time.

Details

Title: Neuromuscular adaptation during skill acquisition on a two degree-of-freedom target-acquisition task: isometric torque production
Authors: Jonathan Shemmell (Author) - University of Queensland
Matthew Forner (Author) - University of Queensland
James R Tresilian (Author) - University of Queensland
Stephan Riek (Author) - University of Queensland
Benjamin K Barry (Author) - University of Queensland
Richard G Carson (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol.94(5), pp.3046-3057
Publisher: American Physiological Society
DOI: 10.1152/jn.00670.2004
ISSN: 1522-1598
PMID: 15944230
Organisation Unit: Graduate Research School; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99472601202621
Output Type: Journal article

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