title: Dissociable contributions of motor-execution and action-observation to intermanual transfer.
abstract: We examined the suggestion that some of the processes subserving learning through action-observation and motor-execution are different because sensory motor reafference is not available while the limb is at rest in the former condition. We confirmed the action-observation and motor-execution groups learned equally the absolute time and relative time constraints associated with a movement sequence timing task. However, data from mirror (same motor commands as those in practice) and non-mirror (same visual spatial coordinates as those in practice) intermanual transfer tests showed a clear dissociation in performance following these forms of practice. While positive transfer was exhibited by both groups in the non-mirror condition, there was a significant decrement in relative time performance in the mirror condition only after action-observation. These findings confirm that some of the processes underpinning these forms of motor learning are not somatotopic. Indeed, while motor and visual representations are developed during motor-execution, the absence of sensorimotor reafference during action-observation enables relative time to be represented in visual spatial coordinates only. These behavioural effects for intermanual transfer are discussed with reference to activity in supplementary motor area.
authors.affiliation: Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool L3 3AF, UK. s.hayes@ljmu.ac.uk
authors.forename: Spencer J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Andrew
authors.forename: Digby
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Simon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Bennett
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D014163:Transfer, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult