The Role of Inputs Combination to Enhance the Internal Model and Body Control Ability

The role of attention in formulating the input-signals to the CNS toward enhancing the motor-control ability in human is unclear. Here we hypothesized that the distance between the arms in alignment to the frontal center of a person, and the voluntary shifting of his visual attention play roles in enhancing the internal model and the body-control ability. To examine this, six participants were introduced to dual-steering-device. Using the device, we can modulate the participant’s visual attentions and arms distance while performing various tasks. Major muscles and brain activities of the participants were monitored using EMG, and fNIRS. The results were compatible with our hypothesis: users could inhibit muscular activities in the passive movements with increasing distance of the arms and with a visual focus on the inhibited arm. We believe that this study can add important contributing factors in designing rehabilitation program by adjusting the possible input-combination to enhance the internal-model.