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Comparison of synergy patterns between the right and left hand while performing postures and object grasps
Prajwal Shenoy1,2, Anurag Gupta2, Varadhan S K M3
1Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
Scientific Reports
|November 21, 2023
Summary
The central nervous system (CNS) uses similar hand movement strategies (synergies) for both dominant and non-dominant hands. This study found no significant differences in these kinematic synergies between hands, suggesting unified motor control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
Background:
- The human hand exhibits complex kinematics, controlled by a lower-dimensional subspace known as synergies.
- Finger movement control is lateralized, raising questions about potential differences in synergies between dominant and non-dominant hands.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare hand kinematic synergies between the dominant and non-dominant hands.
- To determine if the central nervous system (CNS) employs distinct motor control strategies for each hand.
Main Methods:
- Hand kinematics were recorded using an electromagnetic tracking system during various postures and object grasps.
- Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify and analyze kinematic synergies explaining 90% of data variance.
- Synergies were compared at both individual and population levels using PC scores and cross-reconstruction errors.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in the identified hand kinematic synergies between the dominant and non-dominant hands.
- Analysis of PC scores and cross-reconstruction errors further supported the high degree of similarity between the synergies of both hands.
- These findings suggest a unified control strategy for hand movements regardless of hand dominance.
Conclusions:
- The CNS utilizes largely similar kinematic synergies for controlling both dominant and non-dominant hands.
- The observed similarity has implications for understanding and potentially treating neuromotor disorders.
- Future research should explore the neural underpinnings of this unified hand control strategy.
