Abstract
Auditory reafferences are real-time auditory products created by a person’s own movements. Whereas the interdependency of action and perception is generally well studied, the auditory feedback channel and the influence of perceptual processes during movement execution remain largely unconsidered. We argue that movements have a rhythmic character that is closely connected to sound, making it possible to manipulate auditory reafferences online to understand their role in motor control. We examined if step sounds, occurring as a by-product of running, have an influence on the performance of a complex movement task. Twenty participants completed a hurdling task in three auditory feedback conditions: a control condition with normal auditory feedback, a white noise condition in which sound was masked, and a delayed auditory feedback condition. Overall time and kinematic data were collected. Results show that delayed auditory feedback led to a significantly slower overall time and changed kinematic parameters. Our findings complement previous investigations in a natural movement situation with non-artificial auditory cues. Our results support the existing theoretical understanding of action–perception coupling and hold potential for applied work, where naturally occurring movement sounds can be implemented in the motor learning processes.
Highlights
Sounds can help athletes perform better (Agostini et al, 2004)
We argue that movements have a rhythmic character that is closely connected to sound, making it possible to manipulate auditory reafferences online to understand their role in motor control
We investigated for the first time the influence of naturally occurring auditory real-time feedback on the movement execution of a complex movement task
Summary
In fast and short or rhythmic movements, auditory feedback might be superior to visual feedback (MacPherson et al, 2009). If not all, sports skills can be considered rhythmic in nature (Gallahue and Donnelly, 2003), and rhythm (or temporal invariance of movement components) is a crucial aspect of many sports skills. Coaches report using auditory information for error detection as well as a kind of augmented feedback (Chen, 2001). There has been little theoretical or empirical research to determine if the auditory information produced by the movement itself is used for motor control during movement execution. We investigated for the first time the influence of naturally occurring auditory real-time feedback (i.e., perception) on the movement execution (i.e., action) of a complex movement task. The hurdling task represents on the one hand a complex movement, which allows conclusions for the applied field, but on the other hand a movement with a highly standardized motion sequence, given the predetermined number of steps and distance between two hurdles
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
