Developmental aspects of perception-action coupling in multi-limb coordination: rhythmic sensorimotor synchronization.

The current research examines the development of perception-action coupling through childhood, specifically coupling multi-limb actions to rhythmic, auditory signals. Sixty participants in five age groups (4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 years, with 12 per group) clapped while walking in four conditions: No coupling instructions, with instructions to couple clap to walk, and with instructions to couple clap and walk to the metronome in two different frequency conditions. Statistically significant developmental differences existed in frequency locking (matching limb frequency to metronome or other limb) and phase locking (stably coupling to one point in the cycle). The intent to couple proved to be as important in producing less variable coupling patterns than adding a metronome beat. In addition, children's groups differed in variability within metronome conditions; these may be due to the increasing challenge encountered in coupling at a higher frequency. These results were discussed developmentally, with implications for the perception-action coupling throughout childhood.