How do we select combinations of limb segments to carry out physical tasks? Three possible determinants of limb-segment selection are hypothesized here: (1) optimal amplitudes and frequencies of motion for the effectors; (2) preferred movement axes for the effectors; and (3) a tendency to continue using already-recruited limb-segments. We tested these factors in a graphic production task. Seven...

PURPOSE Evaluate the potentially adaptive movement patterns associated with acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) using biomechanical analyzes. METHODS Thirty participants with acute LAS and nineteen controls performed a drop vertical jump (DVJ) task. 3D kinematic and sagittal plane kinetic profiles were plotted for the hip, knee and ankle joints of both limbs for the drop jump (phase 1) and drop ...

A major prediction of the elementary coordination dynamics of two contralateral limb segments in 1 : 1 frequency locking was tested. A shift in stable steady-state relative phase C#I from 0 and ST radians is induced by a difference Aw in the uncoupled frequencies of the segments. The elementary coordination dynamics, an order parameter equation in 4, predicts that equilibrium shift will be a th...

This study investigated the role that visual tracking plays in coupling rhythmic limb movements to an environmental rhythm. Two experiments were conducted in which participants swung a hand-held pendulum while tracking an oscillating stimulus or while keeping their eyes fixed on a stationary location directly above an oscillating stimulus. It was expected that the participants' rhythmic movemen...

In human coordination studies information from the environment may not only pace rhythmic behavior, but also contribute to the observed dynamics, e.g. aphenomenon known as anchoring in the literature. For the paradigmatic caseof bimanual coordination we study these contributions mathematically and develop a model of the interaction between the limb's intrinsic dynamics and environmental signals...

Following earlier work by Mechsner et al. (Nature 414 (2001) 69), the purpose of this experiment was to determine the perceptual and motoric contributions to bimanual coordination. Twenty right-handed, healthy, young adults performed continuous, horizontal, linear movements of both upper limbs at frequencies of 1.5 and 2.0 Hz. The goal was to control the spatial-temporal displacement of two fla...

Primates frequently reach toward visual targets. Neurons in early visual areas respond to stimuli in the contralateral visual hemifield and without regard to which limb will be used to reach toward that target. In contrast, neurons in motor areas typically respond when reaches are performed using the contralateral limb and with minimal regard to the visuospatial location of the target. The pari...

There are several motivations for adapting the concepts of bimanual coordination originating in human motor control to humanoid robotics. Amongst the most important reasons we can highlight are the following: 1) guarantee adequate performance of humanoids in dual-arm tasks; 2) make their movements more effective and natural-looking for humans; and 3) provide the basis for more complex forms of ...

Introduction: Visual training has been used to improve locomotion fall risk in older adults. Objective: This study evaluates the effects of visual on physical abilities and functions adults from Bucaramanga, Colombia. Methodology: A quasi-experimental who underwent evaluation assessment through Senior Fitness Test, a standardized obstacle course, eye-hand coordination test. For 10 weeks, all at...