Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:51
Frame-by-Frame Video Analysis of Idiosyncratic Reach-to-Grasp Movements in Humans
Published on: January 15, 2018
Movement effort does not alter the planning horizon of sequential reaching movements
Aslan Bellmann1, Leonie Oostwoud Wijdenes1, W Pieter Medendorp1
1Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and BehaviourRadboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|June 18, 2026
Summary
Humans plan sequential reaching movements 2-4 targets ahead. Increasing movement resistance did not extend this planning horizon, suggesting movement effort is not a primary constraint on planning depth.
Area of Science:
- Human motor control
- Cognitive neuroscience
- Robotics
Background:
- Sequential reaching movements are common in daily tasks.
- Humans can plan ahead to optimize movement sequences.
- The influence of movement effort on planning depth is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if increased movement resistance affects planning horizon in sequential reaching.
- To determine if movement effort is a primary constraint on planning depth.
Main Methods:
- Participants (n=28) performed sequential reaching movements towards targets of varying size, value, and location.
- A robotic manipulandulum applied resistive forces during reaching.
- Target choices were analyzed using a planning model incorporating future target information.
Main Results:
- Participants planned 2-4 targets ahead on average.
- Increased resistance altered movement dynamics but did not significantly change planning horizon.
- Movement effort did not correlate with extended planning depth.
Conclusions:
- Movement effort is not a primary constraint on the planning horizon for sequential reaching.
- Humans exhibit a consistent planning horizon regardless of moderate increases in movement resistance.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Planar Rigid-Body Motion
Understanding the movement of a rigid body in planar motion involves recognizing that every particle within this body is traversing a path that maintains a consistent distance from a specific plane. This concept is fundamental in the study of physics and mechanical engineering, and it allows us to comprehend better how objects move in space.
Planar motion is typically divided into three distinct categories. The first is rectilinear translation, demonstrated by a subway train that moves along...
Planar motion is typically divided into three distinct categories. The first is rectilinear translation, demonstrated by a subway train that moves along...
00:51Anatomical Movements
Anatomical movements refer to the various actions or motions that can be performed by the body's joints and muscles. These movements are described using specific terms to provide a standardized way of discussing and understanding the range of motion at different joints.
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...
Here are some common anatomical movements:
Flexion and extension motions are in the sagittal (anterior–posterior) plane of motion. These movements take place at the shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist, metacarpophalangeal,...