Rajiv Ranganathan

Augmentation of task-relevant variability enhances consolidation of motor learning

This study shows that augmenting variability in the task space during motor learning improves consolidation, while variability in the null space does not, due to its impact on pre-existing coordination strategies.

Motor variability prior to learning is a poor predictor of the ability to adopt new movement solutions

This study examines whether baseline motor variability predicts the ability to adopt new movement solutions in a precision task, finding weak correlations and highlighting task-specific variability effects.

Practice modifies the response to errors during a novel motor sequence learning task

This study shows that practice reduces the magnitude and duration of post-error slowing in a motor sequence learning task, even when overall performance plateaus.

Controlling a robotic arm for functional tasks using a wireless head-joystick: A case study of a child with congenital absence of upper and lower limbs

This study demonstrates that a child with no limbs can control a robotic arm using head movements, achieving task performance comparable to a control participant using a manual joystick.

Haptic assistance that restricts use of redundant solutions is detrimental to motor learning

This study shows that haptic assistance restricting redundant solutions impairs motor learning in a bimanual steering task compared to assistance allowing multiple solutions.

Stroke survivors show task-dependent modulation of motor variability during bimanual coordination

This study shows that stroke survivors can modulate motor variability in both affected and unaffected arms based on task demands during bimanual coordination.

High variability impairs motor learning regardless of whether it affects task performance

This study investigates how motor variability affects learning in a redundant task, finding that higher variability during practice leads to larger errors, regardless of whether the variability is in the task or null space.