On the role of feedback in maintaining constant grip force in patients with cerebellar disease.

The effect of visual feedback on maintaining low finger forces was investigated in patients with chronic cerebellar disease. Precise information about deviation from target force was compared with discrete feedback signaling only 3 states of performance and a condition of withdrawal of feedback. Forces were produced under isometric conditions and against a spring load (anisometric condition). Large performance differences were observed dependent on feedback condition. Maintenance of anisometric force was found to be nearly normal in patients with severe deficits in controlling isometric force.