Valence-dependent neural correlates of augmented feedback processing in extensive motor sequence learning – Part II: Predictive value of event-related potentials for behavioral adaptation and learning

Abstract

To examine the neural processing of valence-dependent augmented feedback, 38 students learned a sequential arm movement task with 192 trials in each of five practice sessions. The degree of motor automatization was tested under dual-task-conditions. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded in the first and last practice session. This study is an additional analysis of the data from Margraf et al. [Margraf, L., Krause, D., & Weigelt, M. (this issue). Valence-dependent neural correlates of augmented feedback processing in extensive motor sequence learning – Part I: Practice-related changes of feedback processing.]. While Part I focused on changes in neural feedback processing after extensive motor practice, Part II examines coherences between neural feedback processing and short-term behavioral adaptations, as well as different dimensions of long-term learning (i.e., accuracy, consistency, and automaticity). It was found that more negative amplitudes of the feedback-related-negativity (FRN) after negative feedback were predictive for goal-independent changes of behavior in the early practice phase, whereas more positive amplitudes of the late fronto-central positivity (LFCP) after negative feedback were predictive for goal-directed behavioral adaptations (error reduction), independent from the practice phase. Unexpectedly, more positive amplitudes of the P300 after positive feedback were also predictive for goal-directed behavioral adaptations. Concerning long-term learning and motor automatization, a positive correlation was found for the reduction of dual-task costs (DTC) and LFCP-amplitudes after positive feedback in the early practice.