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Preferred frequency ratios for spontaneous auditory-motor synchronization: Dynamical stability and hysteresis
Cécile J Bouvet1, Manuel Varlet2, Simone Dalla Bella3
1EuroMov, Univ. Montpellier, Montpellier, France; The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Australia.
Acta Psychologica
|April 13, 2019
Summary
Humans can spontaneously synchronize movements to auditory rhythms at 1:1 and 1:2 frequency ratios. Movement synchronization patterns show hysteresis, influenced by the direction of auditory tempo change, revealing complex system dynamics in auditory-motor synchronization.
Area of Science:
- Auditory-motor neuroscience
- Human motor control
- Complex systems dynamics
Background:
- Humans exhibit spontaneous movement synchronization with external auditory rhythms.
- Synchronization typically favors simple 1:1 frequency ratios.
- Synchronization to more complex ratios is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the occurrence and stability of spontaneous auditory-motor synchronization at multiple frequency ratios.
- Examine how frequency changes affect synchronization patterns.
- Explore the role of initial coordination patterns in transitions.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed index finger oscillations at their preferred tempo.
- Auditory metronome frequency varied progressively between 1 Hz and 6 Hz (ascending and descending).
- Movement entrainment and pattern transitions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous synchronization occurred at both 1:1 and 1:2 frequency ratios.
- Synchronization stability and occurrence varied with the direction of frequency change.
- A hysteresis effect was observed, where initial patterns influenced subsequent transitions.
Conclusions:
- Auditory-motor synchronization extends beyond 1:1 ratios to include 1:2 ratios.
- Movement synchronization dynamics exhibit hysteresis, influenced by frequency change direction.
- Findings offer new insights into the mechanisms of auditory-motor synchronization.
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