Sensorimotor synchronization with tempo-changing auditory sequences: Modeling temporal adaptation and anticipation

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Human Motor Control
• Computational Modeling

Background:

• Ensemble musicians synchronize movements with expressive tempo changes.
• Existing models lack predictive capabilities for tempo-varying synchronization.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate human synchronization with tempo-changing sequences.
• Test an ADaptation and Anticipation Model (ADAM) combining error correction and prediction.

Main Methods:

• Participants tapped in time to auditory sequences with varying tempo changes.
• Four versions of the ADAM were simulated and compared to behavioral data.

Main Results:

• Synchronization accuracy decreased with increased tempo change rate and turning points.
• Adaptation alone was insufficient; anticipation improved model fit and precision.
• A joint module linking adaptation and anticipation best explained the data.

Conclusions:

• Both adaptation and anticipation are crucial for synchronizing with tempo-changing sequences.
• The combined ADAM, particularly with linked mechanisms, offers a robust explanation.