Tests of the Functions of Proprioception and Interaction of Senses

Abstract

It was hypothesized that the speed and direction of movement are monitored by proprioceptive feedback and that extent is determined by integrating the rate signals in time (Gibbs, 1954). Consideration of analogous servo mechanisms leads to the following predictions that were tested and confirmed ( p < 0.01) in tests using 6 female and 4 male Ss. Input data from vision or proprioception alone or from both senses will produce rapid, primary adjustments of equal accuracy. Terminal accuracy was measured to show that the end-points of most residual errors lie in a limited zone of clear central vision, as required by hypotheses. Various previous estimates alleging gross inaccuracy of proprioceptors (Ludvigh, 1952; Crawford, 1960) are shown to be erroneous and irrelevant.