Using control theory to study visuomotor control abilities in normal adults, athletes, and patients with neuromotor disorders

Abstract

Control theory, a field rooted in engineering and mathematics, aims to understand and influence the behavior of dynamic systems to achieve desired outcomes. Its principles are particularly suited for studying human visuomotor control, as humans inherently operate as dynamic systems. Visuomotor behaviors require the continuous integration of visual input with motor responses, often in the presence of disturbances or unpredictable changes. By applying control theory, researchers gain significant insights into how the visual system processes information to produce adaptive motor outputs, enabling the simulation and prediction of precise movements, such as eye and manual tracking, driving, and playing sports. This review highlights recent progress in applying classical control theory to investigate visuomotor control across diverse populations, including normal adults, athletes, and individuals with neuromotor disorders like Parkinson’s disease. Future directions for research are also discussed, emphasizing the potential of control theory methods to deepen our understanding of visuomotor control and improve therapeutic interventions.