Intermanual transfer of proximal and distal motor engrams in humans

Thut, G. , Cook, N. D., Regard, M., Leenders, K. L., Halsband, U. and Landis, T. (1996) Intermanual transfer of proximal and distal motor engrams in humans. Experimental Brain Research, 108(2), pp. 321-327. (doi: 10.1007/BF00228105)

Abstract

We studied intermanual motor transfer for right-to-left or left-to-right direction of transfer between either proximal or distal upper extremity muscle groups. The influence of previously acquired motor engrams (original learning, OL) on learning efficiency of the contralateral side (transfer learning, TL) was examined in 26 right-handed healthy subjects. The task consisted of the drawing of meaningless figures. During TL, OL figures had to be reproduced as vertical mirror reversals. Data revealed a benefit for right-to-left but not left-to-right direction of transfer for time to complete a figure as well as a left-to-right transfer benefit for spatial motor precision. Furthermore, a benefit for intermanual transfer of training between proximal but not distal muscle groups was found when movement time to complete a figure was evaluated. Of special interest was the observation of a disadvantage due to prior contralateral learning for performance at right distal effectors. The asymmetrical transfer benefits with respect to side are in line with previous findings and support the proficiency model and the cross-actiation model. Results further showed that intermanual transfer of training might differ with respect to muscle group involvement and suggest that, although primarily facilitating, previous opposite hand training may lead to inhibitory influences on subsequent contralateral reproduction.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Thut, Professor Gregor
• Authors: Thut, G., Cook, N. D., Regard, M., Leenders, K. L., Halsband, U., and Landis, T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Psychology & Neuroscience; College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Journal Name: Experimental Brain Research
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0014-4819
• ISSN (Online): 1432-1106