SENSORIMOTOR TASKS

Sensorimotor ability and coordination requires the brain to process and synchronize the function of interrelated muscles. Alterations in functions such as motor coordination, muscle strength, and motivation serve as indicators of gross alterations in the CNS. Such alterations need to be assessed and taken into account when planning any behavioral procedure; in some cases the results may preclude specific cognitive tests. In addition, locomotor assessments provide information about the level of activity, exploratory behaviors, and range of motion. The tasks in this module focus on overall gross motor function, sensorimotor integration, and exploration.