The attainment of target position during step-tracking movements despite a shift of initial position

Abstract

Subjects performed a step-tracking forearm movement at maximum velocity without visual guidance. A considerable shift of initial forearm position, which remained unnoticed by the subject, was induced by vibration of the biceps tendon. Notwithstanding the shift of initial position subjects attained the correct final position, irrespective of whether the vibration was switched off before the movement or continued during the movement. Recordings of biceps and triceps electromyograms show that muscle activities were programmed to produce a movement from the actual initial position to the target position. The findings indicate that correct information on forearm position is available to the central nervous system at a subconscious level even if position perception is disturbed through vibration.