The integration of sequential movements: The interaction between switching movement direction and switching hand at the first target

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Movement times to a single target are typically shorter compared to when a second target is required (i.e., the one-target advantage). The phenomenon emerges regardless of hand preference, the amount of practice or visual feedback available, and when participants switch hands at the first target. Our goal was to investigate the interactive effects between switching hands and changing movement direction at the first target on the one-target advantage. Participants performed movements to a single target; movements to two targets with a single hand where the second target required an extension movement; movements to two targets with a single hand where the second target required a reversal movement; movements to two targets where the hands were switched at the first target and the second target required an extension movement; and movements to two targets where the limbs were switched at the first target and the second movement required a reversal. RTs were significantly faster in the single target compared to the two target tasks. Furthermore, MTs to the first target were significantly shorter in the single target compared to two target one hand extension, two target two hand extension, and the two target two hand reversal tasks. The finding that the one-target advantage emerged when the hands were switched at the first target suggests the phenomenon occurs at the central level and can thus be explained by the movement integration hypothesis. Elimination of the one-target advantage in the two target single hand reversal task suggests that the two target advantage occurs within a limb at the peripheral level. This is likely due to the deceleration and acceleration of the first and second movement utilising the same muscles, whereas these processes are controlled by two separate and distinct effectors when the hands are switched at the first target.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationJournal of Exercise, Movement, and Sport
Subtitle of host publicationSCAPPS refereed abstracts repository
Pages44
Volume46
Editions1
Publication statusPublished - 16 Sept 2014
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