Thermodynamic fluctuation theorems govern human sensorimotor learning

TL;DR

This study tests whether thermodynamic fluctuation theorems, originally from physics, can describe human sensorimotor learning, finding general consistency with the theoretical predictions in a visuomotor task.

Contribution

It applies thermodynamic fluctuation theorems to human learning, demonstrating their relevance and potential to explain adaptive sensorimotor behavior.

Findings

Human adaptive trajectories align with fluctuation theorem predictions

Fluctuation theorems can describe variability in sensorimotor learning

The approach offers new insights into the thermodynamics of learning processes

Abstract

The application of thermodynamic reasoning in the study of learning systems has a long tradition. Recently, new tools relating perfect thermodynamic adaptation to the adaptation process have been developed. These results, known as fluctuation theorems, have been tested experimentally in several physical scenarios and, moreover, they have been shown to be valid under broad mathematical conditions. Hence, although not experimentally challenged yet, they are presumed to apply to learning systems as well. Here we address this challenge by testing the applicability of fluctuation theorems in learning systems, more specifically, in human sensorimotor learning. In particular, we relate adaptive movement trajectories in a changing visuomotor rotation task to fully adapted steady-state behavior of individual participants. We find that human adaptive behavior in our task is generally consistent with fluctuation theorem predictions and discuss the merits and limitations of the approach.