Adaptation to underwater distance distorsion as a function of different sensory-motor tasks

Adaptation to underwater distance distortion was investigated as a function of three sensory-motor tasks and exposure time. The tasks differed in terms of the extent to which visual feedback during the reaching response was provided. Eighteen experienced divers served as subjects. Each subject performed the three sensory-motor tasks and also observed another subject performing the tasks. Underwater distance perception was measured after each sensory-motor task and observing period. Adaptation occurred when the subjects performed the tasks but not when they were observing. The different sensory-motor tasks produced different amounts of adaptation. An argument is made that visually predirected reaching responses (no feedback) would produce greater adaptation than visually guided (feedback) reaching responses.