Understanding how the brain adapts movements when objects are not visible
Official title: Neural mechanisms of motor adaptation for an internally driven movement
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11066492 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how our brains help us move accurately when we can't see what we're reaching for, focusing on how we remember where things are and how that affects our movements, which could help us understand better ways to improve coordination and accuracy in everyday activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $457,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY033760-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066492 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing movement coordination issues or those with conditions affecting visuospatial memory.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable movement abilities and no cognitive or visual impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain adapts motor movements when objects are not directly visible, focusing on the role of visuospatial working memory. It examines the differences between movements guided by internal memory versus those guided by external visual cues. By studying rapid eye movements known as saccades, the research aims to uncover the neural mechanisms involved in motor adaptation for both types of movements. This could help improve our understanding of movement accuracy and coordination in various situations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance therapies for individuals with movement disorders by improving our understanding of motor adaptation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully explored motor adaptation in externally cued movements, but this investigation into internally driven movements is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kojima, Yoshiko — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kojima, Yoshiko
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.