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Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip
Published on: June 4, 2020
Memory and coordination in bimanual isometric finger force production
1Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, South Parks Road, OX1 3UD Oxford, UK. nick.davis@psy.ox.ac.uk
Experimental Brain Research
|August 11, 2007
Summary
Force output declines without visual feedback, even when using both hands. This suggests a central motor control system for force regulation.
Area of Science:
- Motor Control
- Human Physiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Isometric force output from the dominant hand decreases when visual feedback is removed.
- This effect is more significant at higher force levels and involves visuomotor memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate force output changes in bimanual tasks when visual feedback is withdrawn.
- To determine if visuomotor memory effects observed in unimanual tasks extend to bimanual conditions.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed isometric force tasks using a single hand, then both hands together.
- Visual feedback of force output was withdrawn during specific trial periods.
- Force output and inter-limb force contribution were measured.
Main Results:
- Force output decline after feedback withdrawal followed similar patterns in both unimanual and bimanual conditions.
- The proportion of force contributed by each hand varied during bimanual trials without affecting overall force output.
- Stable force output was maintained when visual feedback was available, despite changing inter-limb force distribution.
Conclusions:
- A central representation for target force level likely exists, utilizing visual information for control.
- This central system can manage a pair of redundant effectors (hands) for force production.
- Visuomotor memory plays a role in force regulation across both unimanual and bimanual tasks.
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