Biology subjects

McAteer, S. M.

Publications and source records attributed to McAteer, S. M..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

Information processing in the Hand Laterality Judgement Task: Fundamental differences between dorsal and palmar views revealed by a Forced Response paradigm

Imagining performing movements (motor imagery) has broad applications from fundamental neuroscience to sports and rehabilitation. However, measuring motor imagery ability is challenging due to its covert nature. While the Hand Laterality Judgement Task (HLJT) has been investigated as a measure of implicit motor imagery ability, our understanding of mechanisms underlying performance of the task is limited. We used a forced response paradigm to study the time-course of information processing in the HLJT. Participants (N=54) performed a modified HLJT where the time they had to process the stimulus was manipulated on a trial-by-trial basis, allowing us to reconstruct the time-course of information processing. Generalised Additive Mixed Models assessed the relationship between processing time and accuracy, which varied across rotation angles (0{degrees} to 180{degrees} in 45{degrees} steps), hand views (dorsal or palmar) or directions (medial or lateral). Stimulus rotation substantively increased the time needed to produce a correct response, although this effect was non-monotonic. Computational modelling confirmed a crucial interaction between hand view and rotation angle, identifying fundamental differences in processing for palmar stimuli with more extreme rotations ([≥]135{degrees}) compared to other stimuli. Finally, a biomechanical constraints effect (i.e. faster processing of medial vs laterally rotated stimuli) was present in both views, but was only statistically significant in palmar views, again suggesting differences in processing palmar and dorsal stimuli. These results improve our understanding of the cognitive processes underlying the HLJT and may have broader importance for our understanding of mental processes implicated in motor imagery.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Development and validation of an open-source Hand Laterality Judgement Task for in-person and online studies

The Hand Laterality Judgement Task (HLJT) is considered a measure of the ability to manipulate motor images. The biomechanical constraints effect (longer reaction times for hand rotations towards anatomically difficult versus biomechanically easier movements) is considered the behavioural hallmark indicating motor imagery is being used. Previous work has used diverse HLJT paradigms, and there is no standardized procedure for the task. We developed an open-source, freely available version of the HLJT in PsychoPy2, which needs no programming skills and is highly customisable. Some studies suggest responding to the HLJT with the hands may interfere with performance, which would limit practical application of the task. We examined this potential issue using in-person and online versions. For the in-person version, 40 right-footed/handed individuals performed the HLJT with their feet or bimanually (N=20 each). For the online version, 60 right-handed individuals performed the task bimanually or unimanually (N=20 each). Bayesian mixed-effect analyses quantified the evidence for and against equivalence within and between the in-person and online versions. Both versions replicated previously described behavioural phenomena, including effects of angle, hand view, and the biomechanical constraints effect. While responding with different effectors modified overall reaction times, it did not interact with other factors analysed, and did not affect accuracy or the biomechanical constraints effect. There was also evidence for equivalence between in-person and online bimanual groups for all measures. We conclude that this open-source, standardized HLJT protocol (available at https://osf.io/8h7ec/) can reliably detect previously identified effects and works equally well in-person or online.

neuroscience↗