Spatial constraints in the motor control of speed and accurate movements

Abstract

The effect of spatial constraints (distance and target width) was analyzed over the motor control strategies of speed and accurate movements. Twenty men (20-26 years old) performed the Fitts’ task simulated in a computer. The Discrete Aiming Task (v.1.0) provided the kinematic analysis of the mouse cursor and the index of difficulties manipulation (1 to 5 bits). Distance increased provided great TM, acceleration phase, deceleration phase, and velocity, but without changing accuracy. Accuracy maintenance was explained by the maintenance of acceleration and deceleration phases’ strategy. Target width decrease provided greater TM and deceleration phase and reduction of the peak velocity, which allowed better accuracy even when average velocity was held constant. Different control strategies were performed in function of the spatial constraint manipulated by the distance and target width.