Abstract
Debate exists as to the effects of anxiety in performance-based studies. However, no studies have examined the influence of motivation both in preparation of a motor movement and during movement performance. The present study measured beta activation in preparation for and during execution of the effort expenditure for rewards task (EEfRT), a button-pressing task consisting of easy and hard trials. Results indicated that motor preparation (i.e., reduced beta activation) was greater in preparation for hard trials than for easy trials. Additionally, motor preparation decreased (i.e., beta activation increased) over the course of hard trial execution. These results suggest that motor preparation is enhanced prior to more challenging tasks but that motor preparation declines as participants become closer to completing their goal in each challenging trial. These results provide insight into how beta activation facilitates effort expenditure for motor tasks varying in difficulty and motivation. The impact of these results on models of anxiety and performance is discussed.
Highlights
Physical movement is possible through the sequential process of cortical motor-action preparation that precedes execution of the prepared action [1]
These results suggest there was greater cortical motor-action preparation when participants were anticipating hard trials relative to easy trials
When further examining the link between preparatory beta activity and task performance, bivariate correlations revealed beta activation during the preparatory period of hard trials was negatively associated with behavioral outcomes reflecting enhanced task performance such as total points (r = −0.38, p < 0.01) and success rate (r = −0.40, p < 0.01)
Summary
Physical movement is possible through the sequential process of cortical motor-action preparation that precedes execution of the prepared action [1]. How perceived expectancies about the task difficulty influence neural motor preparation, a neural correlate of motivational intensity [2,4]. Suggests that situations demanding more effort (i.e., more difficult situations) may not necessarily always attenuate motivational impetus to maintain behavior and may even promote sustained engagement in the activity [6]. Some recent evidence suggests more engagement for a difficult activity may arise from motivation for a more difficult task or challenge, as this may attenuate the negative effects of difficult activities (i.e., tension/anxiety) [7,8]. Neural motoraction preparation may be practical for examining immediate activation of motivational impetus to engage in difficult activities
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.
