Examining age-related movement representations for sequential (fine-motor) finger movements

Theory suggests that imagined and executed movement planning relies on internal models for action. Using a chronometry paradigm to compare the movement duration of imagined and executed movements, we tested children aged 7–11 years and adults on their ability to perform sequential finger movements. Underscoring this tactic was our desire to gain a better understanding of the age-related ability to create internal models for action requiring fine-motor movements. The task required number recognition and ordering and was presented in three levels of complexity. Results for movement duration indicated that 7-year-olds and adults were different from the other groups with no statistical distinction between 9- and 11-year-olds. Correlation analysis indicated a significant relationship between imagined and executed actions. These results are the first to document the increasing convergence between imagined and executed movements in the context of fine-motor behavior; a finding that adds to our understanding of action representation in children.

► We tested children and adults with sequential finger movements in imagined and actual execution conditions.
► Our aim was to examine age-related ability to mentally represent action requiring fine-motor movements.
► Results for movement duration indicated that 7-year-olds and adults were different from 9- and 11-year-olds.
► Results are the first to document, in children, imagined and executed movements in the context of fine-motor behavior.