Cue-ing Intuition: Visuohaptic Training and Aim

Undergraduate #14
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Biomedical Engineering

Evelyn Vasquez - University of California, Irvine
Co-Author(s): Jaime Duart and David Reinkensmeyer, University of California Irvine

Haptic and visual training have been shown in previous studies to streamline the learning of a motor skill, though a resulting dependence may hinder further development. The acquisition of motor skill is often improved when the focus is placed on the completed movement result (external focus) instead of the movement subcomponents (internal focus). Previous studies have produced varying degrees of success for motor skill acquisition when a combination approach of Haptic and Visual feedback training was utilized. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a combination approach of haptic and visual feedback could ultimately aid in a billiard player’s ability to predict the location of the cue and object balls as a result of their chosen movements. With the use of a Toggle (visual component that traces the predicted path of movement of the ball based on given force) application, participants were trained in pattern recognition. Results suggest that the Toggle feature hinders the participant’s ability to predict the location of the Cue Ball, but it does not affect the predictability skill for the Object Ball. Further research can help understand the mechanisms that drive spatial awareness to promote motor skills in recreation and rehabilitation training. (Keywords: visuohaptic feedback, intuition, haptic devices, motor skills, learning, aim)

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Funder Acknowledgement(s): Dr. David Reinkensmeyer and Dr. Jaime Duarte for technology resources, equipment, use of lab and mentorship. Kika Friend and the CAMP Summer Scholars program for the research opportunity and funding.

Faculty Advisor: Jaime Duarte,