Characteristics of Finger Tapping Are Not Affected by Heavy Strength Training

Abstract

The authors investigated the effects of 2 weeks of heavy index finger strength training on characteristics of freely chosen finger tapping including tapping frequency, tap force, and finger displacement. One group (n = 12) performed index finger extension and flexion strength training. A control group (n = 12) performed no intervention. Results showed that the training group increased strength in both extension (19.5 ± 22.2%, p = .015) and flexion (9.4 ± 9.8%, p = .001) from pretest to posttest. Furthermore, training did not affect the frequency and the pattern of the tapping movement (Fs = 0.004-3.441, ps = .077-.954). The present results are in contrast to previous findings of reduced movement frequency and altered movement pattern during ergometer pedaling after strength training. This difference may be explained by the dissimilarity between the 2 tasks.

Vertical Finger Displacement Is Reduced in Index Finger Tapping During Repeated Bout Rate Enhancement

“…The detailed procedure for kinematic and kinetic data analysis has been reported previously (Sardroodian et al, 2016). Figure 2 represents an example of recordings of force profile and vertical displacement.…”

“…Figure 2 represents an example of recordings of force profile and vertical displacement. Briefly, the kinematic data were analysed using MATLAB version R2013a (The MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA) according to a previously described procedure (Sardroodian et al, 2016). Briefly, the build-in ) (Sardroodian et al 2016).…”

“…Briefly, the kinematic data were analysed using MATLAB version R2013a (The MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA) according to a previously described procedure (Sardroodian et al, 2016). Briefly, the build-in ) (Sardroodian et al 2016). The first derivative of the force signal dF/dt was computed in LabVIEW using the 2 nd order central method.…”

“…The present participants are the same as those in a previous report (Sardroodian et al, 2016). None of the participants had any history of neural or muscular diseases, or disorders related to the upper extremity.…”

“…Further in the present case of finger tapping, aspects of the movement pattern may be considered to be reflected by the kinematics and kinetics of the finger tapping (Sardroodian, Madeleine, Mora-Jensen, & Hansen, 2016). Kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the finger tapping were not measured in our previous study .…”