Scheduled for Research Consortium Measurement, Exercise Physiology and Motor Behavior Poster Session, Friday, April 28, 2006, 8:45 AM - 10:15 AM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall Poster Area I


Development of Perception-Action Coupling in Multilimb Tasks: Adaptation to Temporal Perturbation

Nancy Getchell, University of Delaware, Newark, DE

In order to understand the development of stable, consistent movements in childhood, one must begin to interpret the complex perception-action relationships that exist. One important aspect of perception-action coupling is the ability to adapt and stabilize movements after a sudden perturbation. This study investigates the changes in response to temporal perturbations across childhood in single and dual motor tasks. Forty eight participants (12 participants in the each age groups: 6, 8, 10, and 24 years old) performed four trials of single tasks (clapping, walking) and 4 of a dual motor task (clapping while walking). Participants were asked to move in synchrony to a metronome beat; the temporal or phase relationship between the metronome beat and their movements was then calculated. At a random time interval after the initial stable performance, the metronome speed was either increased or decreased by .33 Hz (20 beats per minute). Phase error, the difference between target (absolute synchronicity of metronome beat and movements) and actual phasing, was calculated in 3 pre-perturbation cycles and for each of 4 post-perturbation cycles. In the pre-perturbation trials, there were age group differences in phase error (F(3, 105)=12.55, p<.001), with the two younger groups exhibiting more phase error that the 10 year olds and adults. In the post-perturbation trials, there was a three – way interaction among cycle, task, and age (F = 1.998, p = .047). Post hoc analysis reveals differences between the 6 and 8 year olds and the 10 year olds and adults. Results suggest developmental differences in perception-action coupling, and in the ability to adapt to auditory, temporal perturbations, with an increase in coupling ability between 8 and 10 years old.
Keyword(s): research

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