Modification of a functional motor task by non-consciously perceived sensory stimuli.
In recent years it has been suggested that processing of visual information is divided between a ventral stream, responsible for object recognition and conscious processing of object properties, and a dorsal stream mediating automatic integration of visual information into a motor task. We used metacontrast masking to prevent conscious perception of visual cues concerning the load of an object to be lifted in a precision grip. It was found that when such non-consciously perceived cues warned of a load change, they allowed the subjects to produce the grip force profile appropriate to the new load. It is concluded that non-consciously perceived visual information can be utilised to adapt a functional motor task to actual conditions.
Fellows
Stuart
S
Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstr. 30, 52057 Aachen, Germany.
Tabaza
Ruth
R
Heumann
Manfred
M
Klotz
Werner
W
Neumann
Odmar
O
Schwarz
Michael
M
Noth
Johannes
J
Töpper
Rudolf
R
D000328:Adult; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014473:Unconscious, Psychology