Discrete trial tasks

There is, however, a difficulty in interpreting the outcome of these tests of free operant performance, in that it is extremely difficult to distinguish whether the recorded impairments involve an underlying deficit in the motor, sensory or motivational function (Hamilton et al., 1985 Cousins and Salamone, 1996b). Attention has therefore turned to tests in which animals are trained to make rapid movements in response to an imperative stimulus in discrete trial tasks, in which specific changes in signal detection, choice accuracy, reaction time and movement latency can potentially distinguish sensory, motor and motivational components of the deficit. 

The result of this study indicates that the DCD subjects have slower movement in discrete and continuous Fitts task. The difference is more apparent in discrete movement tasks. In the force control of two-fold force in the middle trial, the average force in the fourth and fifth trials was found significant different from the first and second ones. The task was performed more difficultly in DCD group than in non-DCD group. Furthermore, DCD group is more difficult in perform open loop control task and has poor force control skills. 

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