FURI | Spring 2019

The Effects of Startle Evoked Movement on the Learning Associated with a Novel Finger-Abduction Task

Startle evoked Movement (SEM) has triggered muscle movements in previously paralyzed muscles. Another study has shown improved learning within a one-week training period for individuals completing a novel motor task. This leads to the question of whether SEM has the capacity to improve motor learning. This study analyzes SEM during three training sessions in a one-week period of a finger abduction task in the non-dominant hand of healthy subjects. The data is predicted to give evidence of startle being associated with the circuitry involved with learning ultimately enhancing the learning of subjects. Future work of this study would include analyzing individuals with impaired motor skills.