A new study reveals that somatosensory stimulation on the wrist can bias hand-choice decisions, increasing the likelihood of using the stimulated hand in tasks requiring quick hand selection. This influence appears to stem from the stimulation's impact on the brain's motor decision system.
Waseda UniversityDec 19 2024 Hand choice is an unconscious decision frequently made in daily life, whether it's reaching for an object such as a cup or performing any other task. This decision is influenced by target-related information, such as the location, shape, and orientation of the object. However, the selection probability for each hand reaches equilibrium when the target-related factors are similar for the left and right hands.
The research team conducted a series of experiments where healthy participants were asked to perform hand-choice tasks while receiving unilateral wrist somatosensory stimulation at 0, 300, or 600 ms before the target presentation. The results revealed a clear pattern where participants were significantly more likely to use the stimulated hand for targets around the center area, where the choice is difficult to determine based on target information.
In addition to its clinical implications, the study also contributes to our understanding of the fundamental processes involved in motor decision-making. By showing that the brain integrates sensory input from the body to guide action, the research adds a new layer to our knowledge of how the brain controls movement and responds to environmental cues.
Neuroscience Sensory Perception Motor Control Hand Dominance Somatosensory Stimulation
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