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JRM Vol.34 No.4 pp. 746-755
doi: 10.20965/jrm.2022.p0746
(2022)

Paper:

Olfactory Cues to Reduce Retrograde Interference During the Simultaneous Learning of Conflicting Motor Tasks

Eiko Matsuda*, Daichi Misawa**, Shiro Yano**, and Toshiyuki Kondo**

*Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo
7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan

**Department of Computer and Information Sciences, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei-shi, Tokyo 184-0012, Japan

Received:
January 20, 2022
Accepted:
June 8, 2022
Published:
August 20, 2022
Keywords:
olfactory stimuli, motor learning, motor memory, retrograde interference, robotic manipulandum
Abstract

We investigated the ability of humans to adapt to a novel environment by kinematic transformation. This adaptation was studied via behavioural experiments using a robotic manipulandum – a system designed to arbitrarily generate virtual force fields against a human hand and subsequently record the hand’s trajectory. By repeating motor tasks, this study’s participants gradually learned to move correctly under a newly experienced force field, such as rotating in a clockwise direction. However, each participant’s motor memory was destroyed if he/she experienced an opposing force field (e.g., in a counterclockwise direction) immediately after learning the initial movement, which is known as retrograde interference. In some previous studies, it has been considered that by presenting sensory cues to highlight the difference in two opposing force fields, participants can learn both force fields independently without interference. In this study, we investigated the functionality of olfactory cues – specifically lemon and lavender odors – in reducing retrograde interference. Forty-five university students participated in an experiment using a robotic manipulandum. Our results have shown that the presence of lemon odor reduces the destruction of motor memory, while that of lavender did not, suggesting that odors can enhance simultaneous motor learning but the effect depends on the type of odor used.

Behavioral experiment using a robotic manipulandum

Behavioral experiment using a robotic manipulandum

Cite this article as:
E. Matsuda, D. Misawa, S. Yano, and T. Kondo, “Olfactory Cues to Reduce Retrograde Interference During the Simultaneous Learning of Conflicting Motor Tasks,” J. Robot. Mechatron., Vol.34 No.4, pp. 746-755, 2022.
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Last updated on Nov. 04, 2024