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Published on: May 20, 2020
Inherent bimanual postural synergies in hands
Ramana Vinjamuri1, Mingui Sun, Donald Crammond
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at University of Pittsburgh, USA.
Summary
This study reveals innate bimanual postural synergies in human movement. Even without coordination, the brain utilizes fewer bimanual synergies, suggesting biomechanical wiring for two-hand actions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Bimanual coordination is crucial for many daily tasks.
- Understanding the underlying neural and biomechanical control mechanisms is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the existence of inherent bimanual postural synergies during two-hand actions.
- To determine if these synergies are present even in uncoordinated movements.
Main Methods:
- Numerical approach using Principal Component Analysis (PCA).
- Collected joint angle data from five subjects using data gloves during two tasks: a coordinated nut-and-bolt task and a random posture task.
- Analyzed postural synergies for individual hands and both hands together.
Main Results:
- The number of bimanual postural synergies was less than the sum of individual hand synergies in both coordinated and uncoordinated tasks.
- This reduction in synergies suggests an underlying organizational principle for bimanual movements.
Conclusions:
- Innate bimanual synergies exist, likely wired biomechanically.
- These synergies simplify the neural control required for bimanual movements by the brain.
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