Error-enhanced Learning & Recovery in 2 & 3 Dimensions

Brief Summary

Detailed Description

Researchers have found that neurotypical adults are able to train movement skills when sensory sources, such as proprioception, are altered using isometric conditions and visual feedback in a two-dimensional environment.Building off this knowledge, the investigators plan to apply similar techniques to both neurotypical adults and stroke survivors with impaired movement, but in a three-dimensional environment. The investigators will ask participants to practice a unilateral virtual reality targeted reaching task using a robotic arm in a 3D visual display system mounted over the arm. Participants will be given visual feedback of their arm through a virtual avatar displayed on the screen. First, they will complete unconstrained targeted reaching and then complete targeted reaching with the robotic arm constrained in a fixed position ("isometric" movement). The forces applied to constrain the robotic arm will be translated to the virtual avatar arm on the screen, and it will look as if their arm is moving. The investigators will compare perpendicular errors (maximum difference between the ideal reaching trajectory and the actual) made in unconstrained and constrained movement conditions. The investigators aim to determine if the two movement conditions yield similar error responses when sensory sources are altered in a 3D environment.

Primary Outcomes