The relation between movement parameters and motor learning

Abstract. In a recent paper, Flament et al. (1999) studied the process of learning to flex the elbow faster. They concluded from their data that time-related parameters (e.g. movement time) changed faster during learning than magnitude-related parameters (e.g. peak velocity) and discussed this finding in terms of neural substrates responsible for the apparently different learning mechanisms. In this paper, I will argue that finding different time constants does not imply different learning mechanisms and will give a theoretical example of the development of parameters during learning to move faster. Despite the fact that only one learning process is modelled, various kinematic parameters show different time courses of learning. The differences the model predicts are comparable with the experimental results.