Error Augmentation and the Role of Sensory Feedback

Abstract

Brain injury often results a partial loss of the neural resources communicating to the periphery that controls movements. Consequently, the prior signals may no longer be appropriate for getting the muscles to do what is needed – a new pattern needs to be learned that appropriately uses the residual resources. Such learning may not be too different from the learning of skills in sports, music performance, surgery, teleoperation, piloting, and child development. Our lab has leveraged what we know about neural adaptation and engineering control theory to develop and test new interactive environments that enhance learning (or relearning). One successful application is the use of robotics and video feedback technology to augment error signals, which tests standing hypotheses about error-mediated neuroplasticity and illustrates an exciting prospect for rehabilitation environments of tomorrow. Keywords