Related Experiment Videos
The relationship of impulse to response timing error
K M Newell1, L G Carlton, M J Carlton
1University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA.
Journal of Motor Behavior
|March 1, 1982
Summary
Timing error in discrete movements decreases with increased movement velocity and system mass. Impulse size is linked to timing errors, but impulse variability may not be a direct cause.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Understanding the factors influencing timing accuracy in human motor tasks is crucial.
- Discrete timing responses involve precise control over force production and movement execution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between response impulse and timing error in discrete motor responses.
- To examine how movement velocity and system mass affect timing variability and impulse characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted involving 200 msec discrete timing responses.
- Measurements included movement velocity, system mass, impulse, peak force, and variable timing error.
- Correlations were calculated between kinetic parameters and timing errors.
Main Results:
- Variable timing error decreased as movement velocity and system mass increased.
- Force variability decreased curvilinearly with increased force output.
- High correlations (0.91–0.95) were found between impulse-related parameters and timing errors on a group basis.
Conclusions:
- The size of impulse is significantly related to movement timing error.
- While impulse is linked to timing, impulse variability is not definitively established as a causal factor.
- Predictive power of impulse for individual trial timing outcomes was limited, especially at lower velocities.