Target Configuration Determines How and What We Learn during Sensorimotor Adaptation
Saved in:
| Title: | Target Configuration Determines How and What We Learn during Sensorimotor Adaptation |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Pamela Villavicencio, Jonathan S. Tsay, Cristina de la Malla |
| Source: | npj Science of Learning. 2025 10. |
| Availability: | Nature Portfolio. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://www.nature.com/npjscilearn/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Perceptual Motor Learning, Perceptual Motor Coordination, Adjustment (to Environment), Learning Processes |
| DOI: | 10.1038/s41539-025-00379-2 |
| ISSN: | 2056-7936 |
| Abstract: | Motor adaptation is essential for keeping our actions well-calibrated. However, the role of training context--specifically, the configuration of targets--in shaping motor adaptation remains poorly understood. We tested this by exposing participants to a visuomotor gain perturbation under two contexts: The Extent Group, which trained with targets at two amplitudes in a fixed angular direction, and the Angular Group, which trained with targets at equal amplitude in two angular directions. Strikingly, the groups differed in how they learned: the Angular Group relied predominantly on implicit adaptation, whereas the Extent Group relied more on explicit strategies. Additionally, the two groups differed in "what" they learned: the Angular Group acquired a translation rule, whereas the Extent Group captured the true gain rule. These findings underscore that training context determines both the processes engaged and the representations formed, underscoring its importance in shaping both how and what we learn. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Notes: | https://osf.io/3zuk9 |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1500039 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Motor adaptation is essential for keeping our actions well-calibrated. However, the role of training context--specifically, the configuration of targets--in shaping motor adaptation remains poorly understood. We tested this by exposing participants to a visuomotor gain perturbation under two contexts: The Extent Group, which trained with targets at two amplitudes in a fixed angular direction, and the Angular Group, which trained with targets at equal amplitude in two angular directions. Strikingly, the groups differed in how they learned: the Angular Group relied predominantly on implicit adaptation, whereas the Extent Group relied more on explicit strategies. Additionally, the two groups differed in "what" they learned: the Angular Group acquired a translation rule, whereas the Extent Group captured the true gain rule. These findings underscore that training context determines both the processes engaged and the representations formed, underscoring its importance in shaping both how and what we learn. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2056-7936 |
| DOI: | 10.1038/s41539-025-00379-2 |
