Optimized Sensorimotor Activation Enhances the Control of Goal‐Directed Aiming Mediated by Real‐Time Visuomotor Transformations

TL;DR

Applying optimized muscle vibration improves upper limb movement control when guided by real-time vision.

Contribution

A novel optimized focal muscle vibration method is shown to enhance sensorimotor control in goal-directed movements.

Findings

Optimized focal muscle vibration improves movement speed, smoothness, and accuracy with real-time visual input.

Benefits of optimized vibration persist for at least one week after application.

Minimal effects are observed when movements rely on memorized visual information.

Abstract

Improving motor abilities may result from sensory–motor stimulations involving repetitive mechanical vibratory applications focused on muscles or tendons. These stimulations activate the proprioceptive pathway, critical for effective motion coordination. Optimized focal muscle vibration (o‐fmv) paradigms can enhance motor control of goal‐directed movements, potentially influencing the proprioceptive contribution needed for visual–proprioceptive integration during planning and execution stages of motion. We examined whether o‐fmv affects goal‐directed movements when visual information is available in real time or when it needs to be memorized. We applied the o‐fmv to the shoulder muscles in healthy participants to affect their proprioception. Then, we assessed immediate and 1‐week‐later effects on upper limb aiming toward visual targets. Movements were prepared with vision and executed either with real‐time or memorized visual information. O‐fmv improved mean speed, smoothness, and accuracy primarily when movements were performed with real‐time visual information. These improvements began immediately and continued to increase after 1 week. Minimal effects were observed when movements relied on memorized visual information. Therefore, o‐fmv produces lasting improvements in motor control of goal‐directed movements supported by real‐time visual information. Our findings suggest that o‐fmv may enhance the brain's processing of proprioceptive information used during motion planning and execution, potentially leading to long‐term changes. These effects might involve stream pathways that coordinate goal‐directed actions by integrating real‐time visual information with proprioceptive inputs.

Optimized muscle focal vibration (o‐fmv) applied to the shoulder muscles enhances the control of upper limb goal‐directed movements. Using 3D motion analysis, we examined aiming movements supported by different visual–proprioceptive frameworks, depending on whether visual information was available in real time or retrieved from memory. O‐fmv improved accuracy, mean speed, and smoothness, especially with real‐time vision. These benefits appeared immediately and persisted for at least 1 week, suggesting durable changes in the sensorimotor network that integrates real‐time visual information with proprioceptive inputs to control aiming movements.

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