Cued and non-cued repetitive ballistic movements - A kinematic study in healthy subjects

Repetitive ballistic movements of the upper limbs were registered in 63 hea lthy subjects with an optoelectric 3-dimensional infrared computerized syst em. For evaluation of externally cued movements the arm was moved at maximu m speed between two targets. As internally cued movements elbow flexion and extension at maximum speed was performed. At non-cued movements the subjec t shifted the hand between pronation and supination as fast as possible wit hout further instructions. Movement velocity decreased progressively with i ncreasing age at an annual rate of 0.5-0.6%. Women moved more slowly than m en during cued movements, whereas no sex differences were found for non-cue d movements. The peak velocity of cued movements remained unchanged during the 20 s performance period, whereas non-cued movements showed signs of fat igue with slowing. In conclusion, the maintenance of velocity during simple repetitive ballistic movements in healthy subjects depends on cueing and o n sensory-motor function rather than on cognitive motor processing.