Representation of action space and multi-limb actions

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In order for humans to perform functional actions, the brain must solve at least two problems. First, it must form a representation of where a particular 'to-be-acted-upon' object is located in space. This information can be represented in many ways. For example, the position of a coffee cup on the table in front of us can be represented with respect to the current position of our hands, eyes, head or torso. In addition to these 'egocentric' representations, the position of the cup can also be represented with respect to other objects in the environment, such as the computer mouse on our table (termed 'allocentric' representations).  The second problem that the brain must solve is how to integrate relevant information from both egocentric and allocentric sources, and send appropriate neural commands to our limbs to enable coordinated actions. One aim of my research is to understand how the brain integrates various sources of (egocentric and allocentric) information to produce a reliable representation of a target's location. I will address this issue by systematically manipulating information in the environment, and determining the effects on spatial localization performance, in pointing. My research also aims to understand the processes that enable humans to smoothly coordinate the actions of two limbs when acting on objects in the environment. I will study this issue by requiring participants to make bimanual actions in which the relationship between the movements of the two hands is manipulated in terms of the muscles involved and the spatial direction of movements. I will also manipulate the cues that instruct the movements to determine the cue features that facilitate or impair bimanual performance. Both these related lines of enquiry are extremely important because, in the real-world, actions are often bimanual, and targets for action are rarely present in isolation. As well as advancing fundamental knowledge about the brain, my research has implications for the design of human/machine interfaces, rehabilitation regimes, and the training of skilled personnel including, surgeons, dentists, pilots, computer/machine operators, and athletes. My research will also be of interest to researchers in robotics, artificial intelligence and ergonomics.