Brain mechanisms for eye-hand coordination: Experience- and sex-related differences

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The broad aim of this research is to understand the fundamental neural mechanisms for controlling voluntary movement. The objectives are to characterize the sex- and experience-related differences in both brain activity and behavior for skilled visually-guided limb movements. Three related but distinct projects comprise this general line of inquiry. Project 1 will look at sex-related differences in brain-network alteration following extensive video game experience. Previously we have demonstrated significant sex-related differences in patterns of brain activity for eye-hand coordination. We have also found that in males, extensive video-game play can alter the basic cortical network for processing complex skill. We will build upon these findings by examining how the activity in female movement-related brain networks is affected by extensive video-game play. This project will provide fundamental information about how the brain controls skilled movement differently as a function of sex and experience. Two further projects will provide insight into the nature of movement control in experts, as well as sex-related differences within these populations, using a more in-depth motor psychophysical approach. Project 2 will look at sex- and experience-related differences in the neural processes that underlie advanced levels of eye-hand coordination by comparing non-athletes to elite-level male and female athletes (using elite hockey players as our expert group). In Project 3, we will study the neural mechanisms underlying the behavioral consequences of decoupling the spatial directions of eye and arm movements in elite (telerobotic surgeons) and non-elite performers. The ability to perform decoupled movements underlies skills such as driving or using a computer mouse, skills essential to our everyday function. The importance of this research is its advancement of our knowledge about the effects of expertise and sex on the brain's control over how we interact with objects in the world around us. These studies will also provide transferable scientific and technical skills-training to a number of highly qualified personnel.