Abstract
Not only can we perform a wide variety of actions, but we can also simulate or imagine ourselves performing those actions. When we perform actions, our eyes and hands typically move in a coordinated way. Research on the role that the execution of eye movements plays during imagination has lead to contradicting results. Interestingly, several studies have demonstrated a positive influence of eye movements on performance in motor imagery tasks. Recent work from our lab has revealed that the movement times of imagined actions are similar to those of executed movements (i.e., conform to Fitts' Law). Although hand movements are restricted in these studies, eye movements have not been restricted which opens the possibility that unrestricted eye movements might be supporting the generation of the Fitts' relationship during the imagination of hand movements. The present study was conducted to investigate if Fitts' relationship in a motor imagery task emerges while controlling for eye movements. Participants imagined reciprocal aiming movements in two conditions: 1) no instructions regarding eye movements and 2) instructions to fixate on a central circle. Participants also executed the movements. Although the movement times in the fixation-imagination condition were higher than in no fixation-imagination and in execution, the Fitts' relationship emerged in each condition. These findings suggest that the imagination of action can occur without eye movements, but that the associated eye movements might assist with maintaining the accuracy of the imagination process.Acknowledgments: This work was supported by operating grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.