The myth of optimality in human movement science

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Motor Control
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Optimality principles dominate human movement science, explaining behaviors as maximizing or minimizing objective functions.
• This approach is widely used across biomechanics, motor control, and neuroscience.

Purpose of the Study:

• Critique the pervasive application of optimality principles in human movement science.
• Propose alternative frameworks for understanding human performance.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis and critique of optimization frameworks in movement science.
• Examination of evolutionary, biological, and mathematical limitations of optimality.
• Proposal of dynamic, context-sensitive models.

Main Results:

• Optimization frameworks mischaracterize biological systems due to evolutionary sufficiency, multiple functions, co-evolving structures, fractal signal properties, and methodological circularity.
• The concept of optimality is unfalsifiable and invokes a homunculus.
• Human performance is a dynamic, context-sensitive process across multiple scales.

Conclusions:

• The optimality paradigm is a Cartesian illusion that hinders scientific progress.
• Movement science should embrace adaptive variability and dynamic processes.
• New frameworks are needed to accurately represent biological systems and human performance.