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Auditory Feedback and Conditioning of the Single Motor Unit
Author(s) -
Leibrecht Bruce C.,
Lloyd Andree J.,
Pounder Sadie
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
psychophysiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.661
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1469-8986
pISSN - 0048-5772
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8986.1973.tb01076.x
Subject(s) - psychology , proprioception , auditory feedback , motor learning , audiology , conditioning , physical medicine and rehabilitation , motor unit , communication , neuroscience , medicine , statistics , mathematics
The effects of direct auditory feedback of the electromyogram (EMG) on learning to control a single motor unit (SMU) were investigated. Seventeen human subjects were injected with bipolar fine‐wire electrodes into the tibialis anterior muscle. A trial light indicated the onset of a trial. If the subject activated an SMU, a correct light appeared. A non‐SMU response was followed by an incorrect light. All subjects received an initial training series with auditory EMG feedback followed by a retest at 2 weeks without EMG feedback. Speed of initial learning was substantially improved by direct EMG feedback. The nature and amount of learning, including the ability to use proprioceptive cues in controlling an SMU, were not affected, nor was retention of learning.