Real-time manipulation of visual displacement during manual aiming

This study examined the spatial and temporal limitations of the visual corrective process in the control of upper limb movements. Real-time calculation of kinematic data was used to trigger a prismatic displacement of the movement environment during manual aiming. Using an OptoTrak motion tracking system, a data acquisition unit, and a custom-made program, perturbations were triggered at peak acceleration, peak velocity, and the estimated time of peak deceleration. Movement outcome was significantly influenced only when the visual displacement occurred at peak acceleration. The results support models of visual control that posit that early visual information is required for accurate limb control.