# CONTROL OF METRICAL & TIMING PRECISION IN HUMAN MOVEMENT

> **NIH NIH R01** · GOOD SAMARITAN HOSP & MED CTR(PRTLND,OR) · 1988 · $134,644

## Abstract

The long-term objective of this grant is to determine how the
nervous system controls goal-directed movements of the limbs.  In
goal-directed movements, and important task of the nervous
system is to specify target location in the motor command.
Target location might be accurately specified in terms of the
joint torques that are needed to control for inertial forces and
other mechanical consequences of limb movement.  Alternatively,
target location might be initially specified by approximation,
based on past experience with similar motor tasks, and later
specified by error correction mechanisms.

In the previous grant cycle, we studied the production of torque at
a single isometric joint, a motor task having minimally complex
mechanical consequences.  During rapid and accurate changes in
torque, target torque was controlled by the sequential
recruitment of three distinct control mechanisms, an initial
approximation and two error correction mechanisms.  One of the
aims of the proposed study is to further describe these control
mechanisms.  Another aim is to evaluate a motor task that is
biomechanically more complex, accurate movement of a single
joint.  We will determine if the same three mechanisms that were
previously identified in torque responses, also control limb
movements.

Once we understand how the normal nervous system controls
movement and torque production, we will be better able to
understand the basis of motor system disorders.   Understanding
how the normal nervous system has solved the problems of limb
control may also allow us to apply these solutions to similar
problems in motor rehabilitation, e.g., prosthesis control and
functional stimulation of paralyzed muscle.  Finally, the results of
our studies of young adult subjects may be compared to studies of
other age groups to better understand the processes of motor
system development and aging.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3155951
- **Project number:** 5R01AR031017-05
- **Recipient organization:** GOOD SAMARITAN HOSP & MED CTR(PRTLND,OR)
- **Principal Investigator:** PAUL J. CORDO
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $134,644
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-12-01 → 1989-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3155951

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3155951, CONTROL OF METRICAL & TIMING PRECISION IN HUMAN MOVEMENT (5R01AR031017-05). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3155951. Licensed CC0.

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