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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Measurement of Spatial Stability in Precision Grip
Published on: June 4, 2020
Digit force adjustments during finger addition/removal in multi-digit prehension
Mark K Budgeon1, Mark L Latash, Vladimir M Zatsiorsky
1Department of Kinesiology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA. kyle.budgeon@gmail.com
Experimental Brain Research
|June 17, 2008
Summary
Human finger force adjustments during object manipulation are primarily feed-forward controlled, adapting to finger addition or removal. These adjustments ensure stable grip and object orientation, even when not strictly necessary for preventing slippage.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Human Factors Engineering
Background:
- Understanding how humans adjust grip forces is crucial for designing intuitive interfaces and assistive devices.
- Previous research suggests complex sensorimotor control strategies for maintaining object stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adjustments in multi-digit coordinated action during object manipulation with finger addition and removal.
- To determine how individual finger forces and moments change in response to external torques and digit manipulations.
Main Methods:
- Seven subjects maintained a handle grasp while adding or removing index (I) or little (L) fingers.
- External torques (clockwise, counterclockwise, none) were applied, and individual digit forces/moments were recorded using six-component sensors.
Main Results:
- Grasping force increased significantly when an antagonist finger was added or an agonist finger removed, exceeding that needed for slip prevention.
- Thumb tangential force adjustments depended on the manipulated finger, not its role as agonist/antagonist.
- Virtual finger (VF) tangential forces opposed thumb forces, maintaining total moment and handle orientation.
Conclusions:
- Digit force adjustments during object manipulation are largely feed-forward controlled, exhibiting chain effects.
- Two error compensation strategies (local and distant) were observed at the individual finger level.
- Findings align with the principle of superposition and highlight limitations in simultaneously organizing control synergies.
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