The relation between movement parameters and motor learning

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 pa rameters (e.g. movement time) changed faster during learning than magnitude -related parameters (e.g. peak velocity) and discussed this finding in term s of neural substrates responsible for the apparently different learning me chanisms. In this paper, I will argue that finding different time constants does not imply different learning mechanisms and will give a theoretical e xample of the development of parameters during learning to move faster. Des pite the fact that only one learning process is modelled, various kinematic parameters show different time courses of learning. The differences the mo del predicts are comparable with the experimental results.