Unintentional Interpersonal Synchronization Represented as a Reciprocal Visuo-Postural Feedback System: A
Shuntaro Okazaki1, Masako Hirotani2, Takahiko Koike1
1Division of Cerebral Integration, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.
Plos One
|September 24, 2015
Summary
Human postural sway synchronizes mutually through reciprocal visual feedback. This non-leader-follower synchronization requires participants to see each other, with closer distances and simultaneous visual exchange enhancing coordination.
Area of Science:
- Human behavior
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Behavioral synchronization is common, but its directionality and mechanisms are unclear.
- Distinguishing mutual influence from leader-follower dynamics is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis of non-leader-follower postural sway synchronization.
- To investigate the role of a reciprocal visuo-postural feedback system in human synchronization.
Main Methods:
- Experimental manipulation of visual information exchange and distance between 22 participant pairs.
- Analysis of postural sway time series data using cross-correlation and causality measures (Noise Contribution Ratio).
- Computer simulation of the proposed visuo-postural feedback system.
Main Results:
- Postural sway synchronization was confirmed, with shorter time lags when participants could see each other.
- Synchronization was more pronounced at closer distances and when visual information exchange was mutual.
- Equal influence and simultaneous visual exchange were crucial for synchronization.
Conclusions:
- Human postural sway synchronization is a mutual process driven by reciprocal visuo-postural feedback.
- Visual perception and simultaneous information exchange are critical for this synchronized behavior.
- The findings support a model of coupled, non-hierarchical interpersonal coordination.
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