Responsiveness in Behaving Monkeys and Human Subjects
Abstract
Three research goals were accomplished during this second year. (1) Analysis of data indicated that sensory responsiveness of primary somatosensory (SI) cortical neurons that respond to vibratory go-cues for wrist movement with the greatest fidelity have their activity modulated just prior to movement onset. This observation fits with the hypothesis that prior to active movement, sensory inputs that are no longer behaviorally relevant are gated so as not to interfere with monitoring movement parameters by the primate CNS. (2) The preliminary results from the recordings from 249 task related sensorimotor cortical neurons indicate that when behavioral conditions become suddenly unpredictable, responsiveness to peripheral sensory and centrally-generated inputs is increased. This is tentatively being viewed as a release from the tonic attenuation that probably occurs during the performance of stereotypic behaviors. (3) Preliminary findings suggest that human subjects can alter wrist movements toward a positional target if vibratory abort-cues are presented early enough. Correct alterations in movement become more likely with increased practice. Final performance and the time necessary to achieve it range on the order of 4-6 days.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 31, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA268924
Entities
People
- Randall J. Nelson
Organizations
- University of Tennessee