The Performance of a Simple Motor Task with Kinaesthetic Sense Loss

Abstract

Two related studies were carried out, to test the suitability of the nerve compression block as a technique in the investigation of kinaesthesis in motor skills. In both studies a key tapping task was used. Each experimental group was composed of six volunteer subjects. It was found that kinaesthetic sensation was eliminated after pressure had been applied for 20–25 min., but muscle power was not seriously affected at this stage of the block. The results also showed a pronounced performance decrement in the absence of kinaesthetic feedback, and that this decrement was not due to emotional or other disturbances caused by the experimental procedure. The loss of tactile sensation was also observed.