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Related Experiment Video

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Frame-by-Frame Video Analysis of Idiosyncratic Reach-to-Grasp Movements in Humans
10:51

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Published on: January 15, 2018

Reach-to-grasp movement as a minimization process.

Fang Yang1, Anatol G Feldman

  • 1Department of Physiology, Montreal Rehabilitation Institute, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation, University of Montreal, 6300 ave Darlington, Montreal, H3S 2J4, Canada.

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|September 23, 2009
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Summary

Reach-to-grasp movements are controlled by a global minimization process, not pre-programmed. This process allows flexible, task-specific control of hand transport and aperture, even during perturbations.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Motor Control
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • Reach-to-grasp (RTG) movements involve distinct yet coordinated hand transport and grasping actions.
  • Existing theories suggest RTG components are pre-programmed.
  • This study explores an alternative hypothesis: RTG components emerge from a global minimization process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the prediction that RTG movements are controlled by a global minimization process.
  • To investigate if RTG components emerge dynamically without pre-programming.
  • To examine the role of mechanical perturbations in RTG movement control.

Main Methods:

  • Subjects performed RTG movements to objects within and beyond arm's reach, with vision occluded during movement.
  • Wrist and trunk motions were mechanically arrested at various points to perturb RTG components.
  • Hand aperture changes were recorded during and after perturbations.

Main Results:

  • Halting wrist motion interrupted hand aperture changes at any phase, including during hand closure, supporting the minimization hypothesis.
  • Trunk arrests beyond peak hand velocity halted both hand transport and aperture changes for RTG movements to distant objects.
  • Movement components resumed after perturbations were removed, indicating flexible, task-specific control.

Conclusions:

  • RTG movements are governed by a global minimization process, not pre-programmed.
  • This process dynamically controls spatial and temporal aspects of RTG components, including hand closure.
  • Neuromuscular control adapts flexibly based on task demands and perturbations.