Looking at the task in hand impairs motor learning

Wilkie RM, Johnson RL, Culmer PR, Allen R, Mon-Williams M. Looking at the task in hand impairs motor learning. J Neurophysiol 108: 3043-3048, 2012. First published September 19, 2012; doi: 10.1152/jn.00440.2012.-"Visual capture" is the term used to describe vision being afforded a higher weighting than other sensory information. Visual capture can produce powerful illusory effects with individuals misjudging the size and position of their hands. The advent of laparoscopic surgical techniques raises the question of whether visual capture can interfere with an individual's rate of motor learning. We compared adaptation to distorted visual feedback in two groups: the Direct group appeared to have the advantage of directly viewing the input device, while the Indirect group used the same input device but viewed their movements on a remote screen. Counterintuitively, the Indirect group adapted more readily to distorted feedback and showed enhanced performance. The results show that visual capture impairs adaptation to distorted visual feedback, suggesting that surgeons need to avoid viewing their hands when learning laparoscopic techniques.