The effect of force feedback on transfer of learning between the arms during bimanual reaching.

This study examined the effects of simultaneous learning of a force-field by two arms on transfer of learning during bimanual reaching. Subjects performed three reaching tasks by both arms: (1) with only dominant arm experiencing the force-field, (2) with only the nondominant arm experiencing the force-field, and (3) with both arms experiencing the same (intrinsic) force-field as in tasks (1) and (2). The results indicated that the rate of motor adaptation was greater when both arms experienced the intrinsic force-field than when only one arm experienced the force-field. Transfer of learning occurred in both directions due to the intrinsic force-field applied to the other arm: from the dominant arm to the nondominant arm and from the nondominant arm to the dominant arm.