Dr James Ingram University positionSenior Research Associate DepartmentsHome pageResearch ThemeInterestsMy research focuses on understanding the sensorimotor control of the arm and hand in humans. I am especially interested in object manipulation and tool use. Object manipulation and tool use is an essential feature of human behaviour. It represents a challenge for sensorimotor control because each time an object is grasped, the dynamics of the arm changes. In order to move skillfully after grasping an object, the motor commands to the arm and hand must adapt to the particular dynamics of the grasped object. My research uses virtual reality systems to simulate tasks in which subjects grasp and manipulate virtual objects. The simulation includes computer controlled visual feedback and robotic interfaces which simulate the forces and torques associated with manipulation of the object. Results from experiments elucidate the sensorimotor processes that mediate object manipulation and allow computational models of those processes to be developed. Research Focus
EquipmentBehavioural analysis Computational modelling Motion tracking Neuropsychological testing Robotic interfaces Simulated haptic feedback Virtual reality CollaboratorsNo collaborators listed Associated News ItemsKey publicationsIngram JN, Sadeghi M, Flanagan JR, Wolpert DM (2017), “An error-tuned model for sensorimotor learning” PLoS Comput Biol 13(12): e1005883 Ingram JN, Howard IS, Flanagan JR, Wolpert DM (2010), “Multiple grasp-specific representations of tool dynamics mediate skillful manipulation.” Curr Biol 20(7):618-23 Details Ingram JN, Körding KP, Howard IS, Wolpert DM (2008), “The statistics of natural hand movements.” Exp Brain Res 188(2):223-36 Details Publications2016Wolpe N, Ingram JN, Tsvetanov K, Geerligs L, Kievit R, Henson R, Wolpert DM, Cam-CAN, Rowe J (2016), “Ageing increases reliance on sensorimotor prediction through structural and functional differences in frontostriatal circuits” Nature Communications 7: 13034 2015Carroll TJ, de Rugy A, Howard IS, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2015), “Enhanced cross-limb transfer of force field learning for dynamics that are identical in extrinsic and joint-based coordinates for both limbs” Journal of Neurophysiology 115: 445-456 2014Burk D, Ingram JN, Franklin DW, Shadlen MN & Wolpert DM (2014), “Motor effort alters changes of mind in sensorimotor decision making” PLoS Onw e92681 2013Ingram JN, Flanagan JR, Wolpert DM (2013), “Context-dependent decay of motor memories during skill acquisition.” Curr Biol 23(12):1107-12 Details 2012Howard IS, Ingram JN, Franklin DW, Wolpert DM (2012), “Gone in 0.6 seconds: the encoding of motor memories depends on recent sensorimotor states.” J Neurosci 32(37):12756-68 Details Ingram JN (2012), “The sensorimotor control of object manipulation and tool use” PhD Thesis, University of Cambridge 2011Howard IS, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2011), “Separate representations of dynamics in rhythmic and discrete movements: evidence from motor learning.” J Neurophysiol 105(4):1722-31 Details Ingram JN, Howard IS, Flanagan JR, Wolpert DM (2011), “A single-rate context-dependent learning process underlies rapid adaptation to familiar object dynamics.” PLoS Comput Biol 7(9):e1002196 Details Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2011), “Naturalistic approaches to sensorimotor control.” Prog Brain Res 191:3-29 Details 2010Howard IS, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2010), “Context-dependent partitioning of motor learning in bimanual movements.” J Neurophysiol 104(4):2082-91 Details Teufel C, Kingdon A, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM, Fletcher PC (2010), “Deficits in sensory prediction are related to delusional ideation in healthy individuals.” Neuropsychologia 48(14):4169-72 Details 2009Howard IS, Ingram JN, Körding KP, Wolpert DM (2009), “Statistics of natural movements are reflected in motor errors.” J Neurophysiol 102(3):1902-10 Details Howard IS, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2009), “A modular planar robotic manipulandum with end-point torque control.” J Neurosci Methods 181(2):199-211 Details 2008Howard IS, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2008), “Composition and decomposition in bimanual dynamic learning.” J Neurosci 28(42):10531-40 Details Voss M, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM, Haggard P (2008), “Mere expectation to move causes attenuation of sensory signals.” PLoS One 3(8):e2866 Details 2007Tcheang L, Bays PM, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2007), “Simultaneous bimanual dynamics are learned without interference.” Exp Brain Res 183(1):17-25 Details 2006Voss M, Ingram JN, Haggard P, Wolpert DM (2006), “Sensorimotor attenuation by central motor command signals in the absence of movement.” Nat Neurosci 9(1):26-7 Details 2004Körding KP, Fukunaga I, Howard IS, Ingram JN, Wolpert DM (2004), “A neuroeconomics approach to inferring utility functions in sensorimotor control.” PLoS Biol 2(10):e330 Details 2001Ingram JN, Renfree MB, Shaw G (2001), “Differential regulation of contractility and nitric oxide sensitivity in gravid and nongravid myometrium during late pregnancy in a marsupial.” Endocrinology 142(6):2244-51 Details 1999Ingram JN, Shaw G, Renfree MB (1999), “Cortisol in fetal fluids and the fetal adrenal at parturition in the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii).” Biol Reprod 60(3):651-5 Details |