Abstract
Motor proficiency reflects the ability to perform precise and coordinated movements in different contexts. Previous research suggests that different profiles of motor proficiency may be associated with different cognitive functioning characteristics thus suggesting an interaction between cognitive and motor processes. The current study investigated this interaction in the general population of healthy adults with different profiles of motor proficiency by focusing on error-related cognitive control and behavioral adaptation mechanisms. In addition, the impact of these processes was assessed in terms of trait anxiety and worries. Forty healthy adults were divided into high and low motor proficiency groups based on an assessment of their motor skills. Using electroencephalography during a flanker task, error-related negativity (ERN) was measured as the neural indicator of cognitive control. Post-error slowing (PES) was measured to represent behavioral adaptation. Participants also completed an anxiety assessment questionnaire. Participants in the high motor proficiency group achieved better task accuracy and showed relatively enhanced cognitive control through increased ERN. Contrastingly, individuals in the lower motor proficiency group achieved poorer accuracy whilst showing some evidence of compensation through increased PES. Trait anxiety reflecting general worries was found to be correlated with motor functioning, but the study could not provide evidence that this was related to cognitive or behavioral control mechanisms. The interaction between cognitive and motor processes observed in this study is unique for healthy and sub-clinical populations and provides a baseline for the interpretation of similar investigations in individuals with motor disorders.
Highlights
IntroductionThe relationship between motor and cognitive functioning ( referred to as the M-C interaction) is an important topic explored through different research approaches
The relationship between motor and cognitive functioning is an important topic explored through different research approaches
It has been reported that individuals with different profiles of motor proficiency present with different cognitive ability profiles (Piek et al, 2008) suggesting a modulation in the M-C interaction
Summary
The relationship between motor and cognitive functioning ( referred to as the M-C interaction) is an important topic explored through different research approaches. It has been studied in the context of child development (van der Fels et al, 2015) and health conditions affecting movement including, amongst others, neurodevelopmental conditions such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD; Sartori et al, 2020), neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD; Sollinger et al, 2010), as well as stroke (Plummer et al, 2013), and Cognitive and Behavioral Performance Control acquired brain injury (Damiano et al, 2016). The nature of this phenomenon is not yet well-understood
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.
