Bimanual training reduces spatial interference.
The authors investigated whether training can reduce bimanual directional interference by using a star-line drawing paradigm. Participants (N = 30) were required to perform rhythmical arm movements with identical temporal but differing directional demands. Moreover, the effectiveness of part-task training in which each movement was practiced in isolation was compared with that of whole-task training in which only combined movements were performed. Findings revealed that bimanual training substantially reduced spatial interference, but unimanual training did not. The authors therefore concluded that the spatial coupling of the limbs is not implemented in a rigid way; instead, the underlying neural correlate can undergo plastic changes induced by training. Moreover, the practical implication that emerged from the present study is that athletic, musical, or ergonomic skills that require a high degree of interlimb coordination are best served by whole-task practice.
Wenderoth
Nicole
N
Motor Control Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Tervuursevest 101, B-3001 Heverlee, Belgium. nicole.wenderoth @flok.kuleuven.ac.be
Puttemans
Veerle
V
Vangheluwe
Sophie
S
Swinnen
Stephan P
SP
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013028:Space Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology*