Task-dependent coarticulation of movement sequences

Combining individual actions into sequences is a hallmark of everyday activities. Classical theories propose that the motor system forms a single specification of the sequence as a whole, leading to the coarticulation of the different elements. In contrast, recent neural recordings challenge this id...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:eLife 2024-09, Vol.13
Main Authors: Kalidindi, Hari Teja, Crevecoeur, Frederic
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Behavior
Computational neuroscience
Female
flexible motor control
Humans
Hypotheses
Influence
Latency
long latency reflex
Male
Motor ability
motor sequences
Motor skill
motor skill learning
Motor Skills - physiology
Motor task performance
Movement - physiology
optimal feedback control
Psychomotor Performance - physiology
Sensorimotor system
Simulation
stretch reflex
Young Adult
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Summary:Combining individual actions into sequences is a hallmark of everyday activities. Classical theories propose that the motor system forms a single specification of the sequence as a whole, leading to the coarticulation of the different elements. In contrast, recent neural recordings challenge this idea and suggest independent execution of each element specified separately. Here, we show that separate or coarticulated sequences can result from the same task-dependent controller, without implying different representations in the brain. Simulations show that planning for multiple reaches simultaneously allows separate or coarticulated sequences depending on instructions about intermediate goals. Human experiments in a two-reach sequence task validated this model. Furthermore, in co-articulated sequences, the second goal influenced long-latency stretch responses to external loads applied during the first reach, demonstrating the involvement of the sensorimotor network supporting fast feedback control. Overall, our study establishes a computational framework for sequence production that highlights the importance of feedback control in this essential motor skill.
ISSN:2050-084X
2050-084X
DOI:10.7554/eLife.96854