The effects of rate and sequence complexity on repetitive finger movements

Brain Res. 2007 Jun 11:1153:84-91. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.03.063. Epub 2007 Mar 28.

Abstract

We studied the effects of movement rate and sequence complexity on the execution of externally paced finger movements. Simple thumb-index opposition movements (SEQ1), oppositions of thumb to index, medium, ring and little fingers (SEQ2), and oppositions of thumb to index, ring, medium and little fingers (SEQ3) were paced by a metronome at rates that ranged from 0.5 to 5 Hz. At rates higher than 2.5 Hz touch duration, as well as spatial and timing accuracy changed, although with a different pattern, for the sequences. Delayed movements were mostly present at lowest rates in SEQ1; at 0.5 Hz and at frequencies higher than 3.5 Hz in SEQ2; at rates higher than 3.5 Hz in SEQ3. Syncopation occurred at rates higher than 3 Hz but only for SEQ2 and SEQ3 when movements are delayed. Power spectrum analysis of timing error series indicated that SEQ1 performance is influenced by memory-related processes at all movement rates. On the other hand, for the other two sequences, at rates higher than 4 Hz the timing error series exhibit a slight but significant reduction of its long-range correlation characteristics. These findings suggest that different strategies are used for sensorimotor processing when the movement rate and sequence complexity are increased.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Female
  • Fingers / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology*
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Time Factors
  • Time Perception / physiology*
  • Touch