Session 15 Attention and Sensorimotor Integration.ppt

Attention and Sensorimotor Integration

1. Ms. Muskan Sethi
Biological Basis of Behaviour
Assistant Professor
School of Liberal Arts (SOLA)
K. R. Mangalam University
Unit II
Nervous System and Sensory-Motor System 
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2. Session 15
Attention and Sensorimotor Integration
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3. AttentionAttention
•Attention is the cognitive process of selectively focusing
on specific stimuli while ignoring others.
•Facilitates perception, learning, and motor control.
Types of Attention:
•Selective Attention: Focusing on one stimulus (e.g.,
reading in a noisy room)
•Sustained Attention: Maintaining focus over time (e.g.,
monitoring traffic)
•Divided Attention: Handling multiple tasks (e.g.,
driving while talking)

4. Sensorimotor IntegrationSensorimotor Integration
•Process by which sensory information is used to guide motor actions.
•Goal: Achieve smooth, coordinated movement.
•Components:
•Sensory Input (Vision, Proprioception, Touch)
•Motor Output (Muscle activation, movement)
•Feedback Loops (Correct errors in real time)
Example: Catching a ball involves visual input, motor planning, and
proprioceptive feedback.

5. Neural Basis of AttentionNeural Basis of Attention
Key Brain Areas:
•Prefrontal Cortex: Executive control of attention
•Parietal Cortex: Spatial attention
•Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Error monitoring and conflict
resolution
•Thalamus: Sensory relay and filtering
Neurotransmitters:
•Dopamine, Norepinephrine (enhance alertness and focus)

6. Neural Basis of Sensorimotor Neural Basis of Sensorimotor
IntegrationIntegration
•Primary Areas Involved:
•Primary Motor Cortex (M1): Initiates voluntary movement
•Premotor Cortex: Plans movement
•Somatosensory Cortex: Processes tactile and proprioceptive input
•Cerebellum: Fine-tunes movements and coordinates timing
•Basal Ganglia: Initiates and regulates movement
•Pathways:
•Corticospinal tract, sensory feedback loops
Example: Reaching for a cup—somatosensory input helps correct trajectory mid-
movement.

7. Role of Attention in Motor ControlRole of Attention in Motor Control
•Attention enhances motor performance by prioritizing
relevant sensory input.
Key Functions:
•Selecting target stimuli for movement
•Enhancing precision and timing
•Reducing errors by filtering distractions
Example: Focusing on a tennis ball improves hitting
accuracy.
Copyright 2006, Allyn and Bacon

8. Types of Sensorimotor IntegrationTypes of Sensorimotor Integration
Feedforward Control:
•Motor commands are planned in advance using
predictions.
•Example: Typing without looking at keyboard.
Feedback Control:
•Movement corrected using real-time sensory input.
•Example: Adjusting balance while walking on
uneven surface.

9. Attention and Learning of Motor Attention and Learning of Motor
SkillsSkills
•Attention is critical in motor learning:
•Cognitive Phase: High attentional demand
•Associative Phase: Reduced attention as skill improves
•Autonomous Phase: Minimal attention required
•Neural Changes: Strengthening of sensorimotor circuits,
cortical plasticity
Example: Learning to play the piano: initially requires focus,
later becomes automatic.

10. Disorders Related to Attention Disorders Related to Attention
and Sensorimotor Integrationand Sensorimotor Integration
•ADHD: Difficulty sustaining attention, affects
motor planning.
•Parkinson’s Disease: Impaired sensorimotor
integration, slower movements.
•Stroke: Disrupted sensory feedback affects
movement accuracy.
•Cerebellar Ataxia: Poor integration of sensory
info leads to uncoordinated movement.