The Effects of Proprioception and Extended Practice Sessions on Anticipatory Timing

Abstract

Utilizing arm velocity to generate varying levels of PFB, various aspects of the body's timing mechanism were researched. Performance on a coincident timing task was studied with and without KR over a four day period. The experimental design consisted of three groups, 25 subjects each, receiving either high, low or zero amounts of PFB. The response was a right hand timing task preceded by a PFB generating left hand movement. The results indicated that PFB provided for more accurate and consistent responses. Increased levels of PFB resulted in significantly more consistent responses, and in more accurate responses. Accuracy responses were significant between the movements groups and control group, but not between movement groups alone. The groups receiving KR were significantly more accurate than the NKR group but no differences were revealed for KR and NKR groups for variable error. The potential formation of a perceptual trace during KR trials may have allowed for greater consistency once KR was withdrawn. Performance over days indicated that extended practice is necessary for the most effective use of PFB. The day factor also provided possible evidence for a two stage theory of timing in which both input timing and motor programming are utilized.