Movement programming depends on understanding of behavioral requirements

Abstract

Use of programmed movements seems to depend on comprehension of the required behavior of which the movements are part. Once this understanding becomes evident by correct behavior, smooth movement take-offs and landings are programmed together. Monkeys were trained to perform a step-tracking task that required accurate self-paced elbow movements of moderate speed. Behavioral aspects of the task, such as correct successive movement directions and timing, were all learned at about the same rates. Use of programmed movements however, increased only after these behavioral requirements had been learned to near the 50% level, i.e., the beginning of behavioral sureness. Movements were programmed as a whole, accelerations together with decelerations, from earliest training onwards.