Rhythmic auditory stimuli in a goal-directed reaching task with reduced visual feedback: examining onset and source
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Date
2018-08-26
Authors
Peters, Carrie M.
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Abstract
Rhythmic auditory stimuli (RAS) have been proposed to improve motor performance in populations with sensorimotor impairments and typically developing individuals. However, reasons for the benefits are poorly understood. One idea is that RAS may supplement movement planning when other sensory input is diminished. The present thesis aims to gain a better understanding of how RAS may benefit performance through manipulating the onset, complexity and source of auditory stimuli. Two experiments each tested 24 typically developing young adults. Reaching movements were captured using 3D motion capture (Optotrak 3D Investigator) and vision was occluded using PLATO Visual Occlusion Spectacles. Experiment 1 used different onsets of RAS (no sound, sound before, sound during, and sound throughout; all with and without vision) and found that sound heard before movement initiation can elicit performance gains in reaction time and endpoint error. Experiment 2 used different complexities and sources of RAS (no sound, simple metronome, complex metronome, simple drum and, complex drum; all with and without vision), and participants reported subjective enjoyability for each auditory condition on a 5-point Likert scale. Analysis for rhythmic complexity revealed that increased rhythmic complexity did not benefit reaching performance. Participants enjoyed the drum conditions more than the metronome conditions, which was moderately correlated to improved performance in reaction time. Improved movement planning and attentional focus are considered in their role in improving movement with the inclusion of RAS. This thesis provides evidence that RAS heard before movement initiation benefit movement performance and provides preliminary evidence that source and subjective enjoyability contribute to performance.
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Keywords
Kinesiology, Motor control, Goal-directed reaching