Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author s and the copyright owner s are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. This study investigates the multifaceted nature of motor learning in a complex bimanual task by examining the interplay between mental representation structures, biomechanics, tactile pressure, and performance.
We developed a novel maze game requiring participants to maneuver a rolling sphere through a maze, exemplifying complex sequential coordination of vision and haptic control using both hands. A key component of this study is the introduction of cognitive primitives, fundamental units of cognitive and motor actions that represent specific movement patterns and strategies.
The experimental setup employed motion capture and innovative tactile sensors to capture a detailed multimodal picture of the interaction process. Our primary aims were to 1 assess the effects of daily practice on task performance, biomechanics, and tactile pressure, 2 examine the relationship between changes in mental representation structures and skill performance, and 3 explore the interplay between biomechanics, tactile pressure, and cognitive representation in motor learning.
Performance analysis showed that motor skills improved with practice, with the GPG outperforming the PPG in maze navigation efficiency. Biomechanical analysis revealed that the GPG demonstrated superior movement strategies, as indicated by higher peak velocities and fewer velocity peaks during task execution.
Tactile feedback analysis showed that GPG participants applied more precise and focused pressure with their right-hand thumb, suggesting enhanced motor control. Cognitively, both groups refined their mental representation structures over time, but the GPG exhibited a more structured and sophisticated cognitive mapping of the task post-practice. The findings highlight the intertwined nature of biomechanical control, tactile feedback, and cognitive processing in motor skill acquisition.
