Spatial Interactions during Bimanual Coordination Patterns: The Effect of Directional Compatibility

Abstract

Whereas previous bimanual coordination research has predominantly focused on the constraining role of timing, the present study addressed the role of spatial (i.e., directional) constraints during the simultaneous production of equilateral triangles with both upper limbs. In addition to coordination modes in which mirror-image and isodirectional movements were performed (compatible patterns), new modes were tested in which the left limb lagged with respect to the right by one triangle side (non-compatible patterns). This resulted in the experimental manipulation of directional compatibility between the limbs. In addition. triangles with either horizontal or vertical orientations were to be drawn in order to assess the role of static images on movement production. Results supported the important role of directional constraints in bimanual coordination. Furthermore, triangles in vertical orientations (with a vertical symmetry axis, i.e., one apex pointing up) were drawn more successfully than those in horizontal orientations (with a horizontal symmetry axis, i.e., one apex pointing left or right), suggesting that the static aspects of a geometric form may affect movement dynamics. Finally, evidence suggested that cognitive processes related to integration of the submovements into a unified plan mediate the performance of new coordination patterns. The implications of the present findings for clinical populations are discussed.

Self-controlled feedback enhances learning in adults with Down syndrome

“…DS has been associated with memory impairments 23 , weakness in verbal working memory 24 , and slower reaction times 25 , reflecting limitations in the information processing speed 26 . Persons with DS also appear to have fewer attentional resources available to process additional information, as more attentional capacity is necessary to monitor basic aspects of motor performance as a result of less optimal movement control 27 . In a study examining the processing of visual feedback in goal-directed movements in adults with DS, Hodges et al 28 showed that participants with DS exhibited longer movement times than participants without DS, suggesting that persons with DS are either more dependent on response-produced feedback, or that they require more time to process feedback.…”

Why Decussate? Topological Constraints on 3D Wiring

“…It is manifestly trivial to simultaneously move the right index finger in the same direction; however, it is markedly more difficult to move the right index finger in the opposite direction (counterclockwise viewed from the right). This problem is intrinsically associated with the brain's 3D representation of space: the difficulty is not present if the fingers are pointed forward: one can sketch forwardfacing circles in either direction and with any speed with either hand (Bogaerts and Swinnen, 2001). This is so because there are singularities in the motion shown in Fig.…”

“…4 generates singularities that interfere with motor function. This singularity can be removed by pointing both fingers in the same direction, which changes the minus sign directly (Bogaerts and Swinnen, 2001). Thus, the second example may be viewed as an analog (in physical space where we can see it) of the same structural concepts that are present in somatotopic network connectivity (which we cannot so easily see).…”

Aprendizagem motora e síndrome de Down: efeitos da frequência relativa reduzida de conhecimento de resultados.

“…De fato, de acordo com Bogaertz e Swinnen 18 , pessoas com SD necessitam de uma carga maior de atenção a fim de monitorar aspectos básicos da performance motora, devido à menor capacidade de controlar movimentos, aparentando, assim, possuir recursos limitados de atenção para processar informações adicionais. Em um estudo que verificou o processamento de feedback visual em movimentos direcionados a um alvo em pessoas com SD, Hodges et al 19 demonstraram que os participantes com SD exibiram tempos de movimento mais longos que os participantes típicos, sugerindo serem aqueles mais dependentes do feedback produzido pela resposta ou requererem mais tempo para processar o feedback.…”