Using Tools as Cues for Motor Adaptation in Virtual Reality

Abstract

Humans are highly skilled at switching between tools, even when they demand opposing motor actions. This thesis investigates how people acquire and maintain distinct tool-specific motor memories by examining the cues that enable dual adaptation to conflicting sensorimotor demands. Using a visuomotor adaptation paradigm in immersive virtual reality (VR), we tested whether visual or movement-related tool features support separate internal models for opposing perturbations. Participants performed a shooting task with altered visual feedback, where each tool was associated with an opposing visuomotor rotation. Across three groups, tools differed only in colour (Colour Control), in shape but not movement direction (Motor Congruent), or both (Motor Incongruent). A single adaptation control group was also included. Only the Motor Incongruent group demonstrated robust dual adaptation and aftereffects, comparable to single tool learning. These findings suggest movement-specific features play a critical role in the formation of distinct internal models during tool learning.