Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2026.103453
Pierre Vauclin , Duarte Araújo , Jon Wheat , Ludovic Seifert
Cycling requires individuals to perceive which behaviour are possible and which are not, and select the most appropriate behaviour among available possibilities to perform successfully. This study investigated whether and how cyclists with different crossing abilities exploit perceptual-motor system degeneracy to cross narrower aperture widths, in particular whether cyclists with higher crossing ability exploit degeneracy by using more complex action modes to cross narrower aperture widths. Fifteen participants whose crossing ability ranged from −16 cm to +2 cm in relation to the bike handlebar width were observed as they crossed different aperture widths. Handlebars' turning and bike’ lean’ angles were recorded using a Qualisys system and were extracted at the moment of crossing to determine different action modes: facing, leaning, turning, and a combination of turning and leaning. Data revealed that cyclists exploit different actions modes between and within aperture width conditions, confirming the exploitation of degeneracy property. However, skills of the cyclists with lowest maximal action capability were confined to the relatively simple modes of action, restricting their ability to cross narrower apertures and to be less successful when acting close to their action boundaries. On the other side, cyclists with highest maximal action capability adapted to task constraint by using more complex action modes, which allowed them to be successful when acting close to their action boundaries.
{"title":"Degeneracy of the perceptual-motor system for aperture crossing in cycling","authors":"Pierre Vauclin , Duarte Araújo , Jon Wheat , Ludovic Seifert","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2026.103453","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2026.103453","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cycling requires individuals to perceive which behaviour are possible and which are not, and select the most appropriate behaviour among available possibilities to perform successfully. This study investigated whether and how cyclists with different crossing abilities exploit perceptual-motor system degeneracy to cross narrower aperture widths, in particular whether cyclists with higher crossing ability exploit degeneracy by using more complex action modes to cross narrower aperture widths. Fifteen participants whose crossing ability ranged from −16 cm to +2 cm in relation to the bike handlebar width were observed as they crossed different aperture widths. Handlebars' turning and bike’ lean’ angles were recorded using a Qualisys system and were extracted at the moment of crossing to determine different action modes: <em>facing, leaning, turning,</em> and a combination of <em>turning and leaning.</em> Data revealed that cyclists exploit different actions modes between and within aperture width conditions, confirming the exploitation of degeneracy property. However, skills of the cyclists with lowest maximal action capability were confined to the relatively simple modes of action, restricting their ability to cross narrower apertures and to be less successful when acting close to their action boundaries. On the other side, cyclists with highest maximal action capability adapted to task constraint by using more complex action modes, which allowed them to be successful when acting close to their action boundaries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103453"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Coordination between upper and lower limbs is fundamental to human gait. Changes in this coordination are well described in Parkinson's disease (PD), but there is limited information on the upper limbs' continuous relative phase and coordination variability during walking in people with PD (PwPD), considering different phases of the gait cycle and varying walking speeds.
Research question
Do older adults with PD present altered upper limbs continuous relative phase (CRP) and coordination variability across the different subphases of gait cycle and walking speeds, compared to older adults without PD?
Methods
This cross-sectional observational study included 20 older adults with PD and 10 older adults without PD. Participants underwent gait kinematic analysis using a three-dimensional motion capture system on a treadmill at 0.28 and 0.83 m/s. The mean CRP and coordination variability in shoulder-elbow and shoulder-hip pairs were calculated. Statistical analysis employed the Generalized Estimating Equations method to compare groups and evaluate group*speed interactions.
Results
Older adults with PD exhibit distinct upper limb-hip coordination strategies as walking speed increases, especially during the final subphases of the gait cycle, compared to those without PD. Older adults with and without PD decrease variability in upper limb coordination with rising speed, and shoulder-hip segments are only affected during the push-off phase.
Significance
These findings highlight the distinct motor coordination challenges faced by older adults with PD and underscore the importance of targeted interventions, focusing on improving shoulder-hip and arms coordination to improve gait dynamics in this population.
{"title":"Speed-dependent changes in shoulder-hip coordination and upper limb variability during gait in older adults with Parkinson's disease","authors":"Maria Eduarda Parcianello Cabeleira , André Ivaniski-Mello , Valéria Feijó Martins , Leonardo Alexandre Peyré-Tartaruga , Flávia Gomes Martinez , Fernanda Cechetti","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103449","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103449","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Coordination between upper and lower limbs is fundamental to human gait. Changes in this coordination are well described in Parkinson's disease (PD), but there is limited information on the upper limbs' continuous relative phase and coordination variability during walking in people with PD (PwPD), considering different phases of the gait cycle and varying walking speeds.</div></div><div><h3>Research question</h3><div>Do older adults with PD present altered upper limbs continuous relative phase (CRP) and coordination variability across the different subphases of gait cycle and walking speeds, compared to older adults without PD?</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross-sectional observational study included 20 older adults with PD and 10 older adults without PD. Participants underwent gait kinematic analysis using a three-dimensional motion capture system on a treadmill at 0.28 and 0.83 m/s. The mean CRP and coordination variability in shoulder-elbow and shoulder-hip pairs were calculated. Statistical analysis employed the Generalized Estimating Equations method to compare groups and evaluate group*speed interactions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Older adults with PD exhibit distinct upper limb-hip coordination strategies as walking speed increases, especially during the final subphases of the gait cycle, compared to those without PD. Older adults with and without PD decrease variability in upper limb coordination with rising speed, and shoulder-hip segments are only affected during the push-off phase.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>These findings highlight the distinct motor coordination challenges faced by older adults with PD and underscore the importance of targeted interventions, focusing on improving shoulder-hip and arms coordination to improve gait dynamics in this population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103449"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145822085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-21DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2025.103447
Ben Teune , Harjiv Singh , Sam Robertson
As the prevalence of technology and data use increases in sports, new opportunities exist to support practitioners by informing practice design. In turn, analytical techniques which leverage this data can be used to further bring life to frameworks of skill acquisition such as the constraints-led approach. Machine learning in particular presents as a viable method to reveal detailed insights, as it can consider multivariate and non-linear relationships. In the field of skill acquisition, a variety of different algorithms are well suited to help operationalise principles of constraint manipulations, representative learning design and functional variability. Specifically, decision trees or random forests may benefit coaches by predicting how constraints can be manipulated to facilitate player behaviour. Rule association can identify interacting constraints within the competition environment which can then be replicated in practice. Clustering techniques may be beneficial to assign similar player movements, or activity repetitions, into groups, allowing coaches to manipulate training variability by prescribing movement types from various groups. These techniques are proposed as methods to support coaches and applied sport scientists’ use of technology and data, as well as enhance their decision-making regarding practice design.
{"title":"Perspectives on sports analytics to inform constraint manipulation, representative learning and functional variability in practice design","authors":"Ben Teune , Harjiv Singh , Sam Robertson","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103447","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103447","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As the prevalence of technology and data use increases in sports, new opportunities exist to support practitioners by informing practice design. In turn, analytical techniques which leverage this data can be used to further bring life to frameworks of skill acquisition such as the constraints-led approach. Machine learning in particular presents as a viable method to reveal detailed insights, as it can consider multivariate and non-linear relationships. In the field of skill acquisition, a variety of different algorithms are well suited to help operationalise principles of constraint manipulations, representative learning design and functional variability. Specifically, decision trees or random forests may benefit coaches by predicting how constraints can be manipulated to facilitate player behaviour. Rule association can identify interacting constraints within the competition environment which can then be replicated in practice. Clustering techniques may be beneficial to assign similar player movements, or activity repetitions, into groups, allowing coaches to manipulate training variability by prescribing movement types from various groups. These techniques are proposed as methods to support coaches and applied sport scientists’ use of technology and data, as well as enhance their decision-making regarding practice design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103447"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145812285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
While contextual interference (CI) is known to facilitate motor learning, its role in promoting interlimb transfer—particularly from the upper to the lower limb—remains underexplored.
Objective
This study examined how different practice schedules (random vs. serial) influence the transfer of fine force control both horizontally (to the contralateral hand) and vertically (to the contralateral ankle).
Methods
Thirty healthy young adults (N = 30; Male = 21, Female = 9; Mean age: 21.9 ± 1.6 years) were divided equally into a random (RTG: N = 15) or serial (STG: N = 15) schedule group. Most participants were right-handed, with three left-handed individuals included across the two groups. Participants practiced a force-matching task with their non-dominant hand using either a random or serial schedule. Transfer effects were assessed in the contralateral hand and ankle at four target force levels (20–80 % of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC).
Results
Both practice conditions improved force control in the contralateral hand (p < .05), indicating horizontal transfer. However, vertical transfer to the foot emerged only after random practice (p < .05) and was limited to moderate and high force levels. These findings suggest that the interaction between task difficulty and practice variability critically influences the extent and direction of interlimb transfer.
Conclusion
High CI practice promotes vertical transfer of motor skill when task demands are sufficiently challenging. These results highlight the importance of training structure in facilitating the generalization of motor control across limbs, offering practical implications for skill acquisition in both athletic and rehabilitation settings.
虽然上下文干扰（CI）被认为可以促进运动学习，但其在促进肢体间转移（特别是从上肢到下肢）中的作用仍未得到充分研究。目的研究不同的训练计划（随机与连续）如何影响精细力控制在水平（对侧手）和垂直（对侧踝关节）的转移。方法30例健康青年（男21例，女9例，平均年龄21.9±1.6岁）随机分为随机组（RTG: N = 15）和连续组（STG: N = 15）。大多数参与者都是右撇子，两组中有三个左撇子。参与者使用随机或连续的时间表，用他们的非优势手练习了一项力匹配任务。在4个目标力水平（最大自主收缩的20 - 80%，MVC）下评估对侧手和踝关节的转移效果。结果两种练习条件均能改善对侧手的力控制（p < 0.05），提示水平转移。然而，垂直转移到足部只有在随机练习后才会出现（p < 0.05），并且仅限于中等和高强度的力量水平。这些发现表明，任务难度和练习变异性之间的相互作用对肢体间转移的程度和方向有重要影响。结论当任务要求具有足够的挑战性时，高CI练习促进了运动技能的垂直转移。这些结果强调了训练结构在促进四肢运动控制泛化方面的重要性，为运动和康复环境中的技能习得提供了实际意义。
{"title":"Contextual interference enhances vertical transfer of fine motor skill from upper to lower limbs","authors":"Satoshi Kasahara , Hiroshi Saito , Linjing Jiang , Kazumasa Yoshimi , Shikino Abe , Tomoya Ishida , Yuta Koshino , Mina Samukawa , Harukazu Tohyama","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>While contextual interference (CI) is known to facilitate motor learning, its role in promoting interlimb transfer—particularly from the upper to the lower limb—remains underexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examined how different practice schedules (random vs. serial) influence the transfer of fine force control both horizontally (to the contralateral hand) and vertically (to the contralateral ankle).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Thirty healthy young adults (<em>N</em> = 30; Male = 21, Female = 9; Mean age: 21.9 ± 1.6 years) were divided equally into a random (RTG: <em>N</em> = 15) or serial (STG: N = 15) schedule group. Most participants were right-handed, with three left-handed individuals included across the two groups. Participants practiced a force-matching task with their non-dominant hand using either a random or serial schedule. Transfer effects were assessed in the contralateral hand and ankle at four target force levels (20–80 % of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both practice conditions improved force control in the contralateral hand (<em>p</em> < .05), indicating horizontal transfer. However, vertical transfer to the foot emerged only after random practice (p < .05) and was limited to moderate and high force levels. These findings suggest that the interaction between task difficulty and practice variability critically influences the extent and direction of interlimb transfer.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>High CI practice promotes vertical transfer of motor skill when task demands are sufficiently challenging. These results highlight the importance of training structure in facilitating the generalization of motor control across limbs, offering practical implications for skill acquisition in both athletic and rehabilitation settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103428"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791116","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-17DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2025.103448
Alejandro Guiseris-Santaflorentina , Ana Sanchez-Cano , Elvira Orduna-Hospital
Understanding how gaze behaviour and visuomotor control vary across populations is crucial for optimizing performance and training in fast-paced sports. However, studies involving athletes with cognitive disabilities remain limited, particularly in naturalistic environments. This study employed wearable eye-tracking technology to examine gaze behaviour and oculomotor control in table tennis players of differing skill levels and cognitive profiles. Forty-six participants were grouped as Professional athletes, Amateur players, individuals with Down syndrome (DS), or intellectual disabilities (ID). All completed table tennis-specific tasks in naturalistic environment training conditions while wearing a head-mounted eye-tracker. Oculomotor metrics, including fixation frequency and duration, saccade frequency and velocity, and pupil diameter, were analysed. Fixation duration did not differ across groups (≈272–301 ms; p = 0.984, η2 = −0.032), whereas fixation frequency varied: ID participants (80.67 ± 6.81 %) and Amateurs (78.98 ± 5.22 %) showed higher and more consistent rates, DS participants were lower and more variable (74.56 ± 17.37 %), and Professionals maintained moderately lower but strategically balanced frequency (77.78 ± 12.64 %). Although saccade metrics were not statistically significant, trends suggested more controlled patterns in Professionals (right eye (RE) length: 1414.63 ± 720.47 mm; longitudinal velocity: 13,888.52 ± 4242.25 mm/s) and higher variability in DS participants (RE length: 2254.03 ± 3215.55 mm; longitudinal velocity: 16,274.78 ± 6,837.21 mm/s). Pupil diameter was significantly larger in Professionals (RE: 5.26 ± 0.79 mm; left eye (LE): 5.40 ± 0.81 mm; p < 0.001), indicating higher visual engagement and cognitive arousal. Binocular vergence metrics remained stable across groups, and gaze heat maps revealed more focused visual strategies in Professionals, while participants with DS and ID exhibited dispersed, less task-relevant fixations. These findings indicate that the accuracy of eye movements, rather than their duration, serves as a sensitive indicator of visuomotor expertise. In conclusion, wearable eye-tracking in naturalistic sport environment offers valuable insights into visual strategies across diverse populations and supports the development of tailored visual training programs, particularly for athletes with cognitive disabilities.
{"title":"Wearable eye-tracking of visuomotor strategies in table tennis players of diverse expertise and cognitive function in a naturalistic environment","authors":"Alejandro Guiseris-Santaflorentina , Ana Sanchez-Cano , Elvira Orduna-Hospital","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding how gaze behaviour and visuomotor control vary across populations is crucial for optimizing performance and training in fast-paced sports. However, studies involving athletes with cognitive disabilities remain limited, particularly in naturalistic environments. This study employed wearable eye-tracking technology to examine gaze behaviour and oculomotor control in table tennis players of differing skill levels and cognitive profiles. Forty-six participants were grouped as Professional athletes, Amateur players, individuals with Down syndrome (DS), or intellectual disabilities (ID). All completed table tennis-specific tasks in naturalistic environment training conditions while wearing a head-mounted eye-tracker. Oculomotor metrics, including fixation frequency and duration, saccade frequency and velocity, and pupil diameter, were analysed. Fixation duration did not differ across groups (≈272–301 ms; <em>p</em> = 0.984, η<sup>2</sup> = −0.032), whereas fixation frequency varied: ID participants (80.67 ± 6.81 %) and Amateurs (78.98 ± 5.22 %) showed higher and more consistent rates, DS participants were lower and more variable (74.56 ± 17.37 %), and Professionals maintained moderately lower but strategically balanced frequency (77.78 ± 12.64 %). Although saccade metrics were not statistically significant, trends suggested more controlled patterns in Professionals (right eye (RE) length: 1414.63 ± 720.47 mm; longitudinal velocity: 13,888.52 ± 4242.25 mm/s) and higher variability in DS participants (RE length: 2254.03 ± 3215.55 mm; longitudinal velocity: 16,274.78 ± 6,837.21 mm/s). Pupil diameter was significantly larger in Professionals (RE: 5.26 ± 0.79 mm; left eye (LE): 5.40 ± 0.81 mm; <em>p</em> < 0.001), indicating higher visual engagement and cognitive arousal. Binocular vergence metrics remained stable across groups, and gaze heat maps revealed more focused visual strategies in Professionals, while participants with DS and ID exhibited dispersed, less task-relevant fixations. These findings indicate that the accuracy of eye movements, rather than their duration, serves as a sensitive indicator of visuomotor expertise. In conclusion, wearable eye-tracking in naturalistic sport environment offers valuable insights into visual strategies across diverse populations and supports the development of tailored visual training programs, particularly for athletes with cognitive disabilities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103448"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145783592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Optic flow stimuli in the lower visual field reduce center of pressure (COP) sway in the anteroposterior direction. The central nervous system (CNS) may adopt a stiffness control strategy in response to vection, defined as the visually induced illusion of self-motion.
Research question
Do visual stimuli presented in the lower visual field elicit stronger vection and promote a stiffness strategy?
Methods
Twenty-seven healthy young adults participated in this study. Visual stimuli were presented in two field-of-view conditions (upper and lower visual fields) and three velocity conditions (slow, medium, and fast) using a head-mounted virtual reality display. The optic flow consisted of small white spheres expanding radially toward the periphery. Participants stood quietly for 70 s. Postural responses were quantified using the root mean square (RMS), mean velocity, and power spectral density (PSD) of COP, as well as the co-contraction index (CCI) of ankle muscles. Subjective vection was assessed using a visual analogue scale.
Results
Optic flow in the lower visual field significantly reduced the RMS of COP in the anteroposterior direction and produced a more anterior COP position compared with the upper visual field condition. Additionally, PSD in the low-frequency band (0–0.3 Hz) was significantly reduced, whereas PSD in higher-frequency bands (0.3–3 Hz) and CCI were significantly increased. In contrast, vection was weaker under lower visual field stimulation.
Significance
The CNS modulates ankle muscle co-contraction and postural orientation when optic flow is presented in the lower visual field, independently of vection strength.
{"title":"Lower visual field inputs reduce postural sway via ankle co-contraction, independent of vection","authors":"Takumi Aiko , Takaki Kurogi , Takashi Muchima , Haruna Kumano , Ayako Kawabata , Daiju Kinoshita , Naoya Hasegawa , Norio Kato , Hiroki Mani","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Optic flow stimuli in the lower visual field reduce center of pressure (COP) sway in the anteroposterior direction. The central nervous system (CNS) may adopt a stiffness control strategy in response to vection, defined as the visually induced illusion of self-motion.</div></div><div><h3>Research question</h3><div>Do visual stimuli presented in the lower visual field elicit stronger vection and promote a stiffness strategy?</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Twenty-seven healthy young adults participated in this study. Visual stimuli were presented in two field-of-view conditions (upper and lower visual fields) and three velocity conditions (slow, medium, and fast) using a head-mounted virtual reality display. The optic flow consisted of small white spheres expanding radially toward the periphery. Participants stood quietly for 70 s. Postural responses were quantified using the root mean square (RMS), mean velocity, and power spectral density (PSD) of COP, as well as the co-contraction index (CCI) of ankle muscles. Subjective vection was assessed using a visual analogue scale.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Optic flow in the lower visual field significantly reduced the RMS of COP in the anteroposterior direction and produced a more anterior COP position compared with the upper visual field condition. Additionally, PSD in the low-frequency band (0–0.3 Hz) was significantly reduced, whereas PSD in higher-frequency bands (0.3–3 Hz) and CCI were significantly increased. In contrast, vection was weaker under lower visual field stimulation.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>The CNS modulates ankle muscle co-contraction and postural orientation when optic flow is presented in the lower visual field, independently of vection strength.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103446"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145783618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-11DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2025.103445
Yaming Liu , Mianjia Shan , Fengxian Wu , Haixia Xie , Yixin Shen , Yan Qi , Wenxin Niu
Background
Neural pathways controlling the upper limb (UL) are spared in individuals with paraplegia, but the effect of lower-body sensorimotor pathways disruption on bilateral UL coordination remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the UL coordination in paraplegia during symmetrical movements.
Methods
Fifteen paraplegic individuals and nine healthy controls underwent surface electromyography and motion capture during two types of symmetrical movements to record activity of five bilateral shoulder muscles and bilateral shoulder joint angles. A modified Procrustes analysis aligned bilateral sEMG and angle curves. Maximum correlation coefficients () and normalized symmetry index (NSI) quantified bilateral similarity and symmetry. Canonical variates analysis (CVA) further assessed group differences.
Results
The paraplegia group showed reduced bilateral symmetry and similarity compared to the controls. Main effects of group and movement were found for both of all five muscles (group, p < 0.05; movement, p < 0.01) and NSI of shoulder joint angle in the sagittal plane (group, p = 0.049; movement, p = 0.006). Group effects (p < 0.05) were observed for NSI of the middle deltoid (MD), upper trapezius, and latissimus dorsi (LD). Significant movement effects were found in of shoulder joint angle in the sagittal and coronal planes (p < 0.001). CVA achieved 93.8 % and 84.2 % group classification accuracy for the two movements, with MD, triceps brachii, and LD parameters contributing most.
Conclusion
Individuals with paraplegia exhibit impaired UL coordination, with neuromuscular measurements being more sensitive than kinematics in detecting deficits, highlighting the need for UL coordination restoration in rehabilitation.
{"title":"Upper-limb coordination deficits in paraplegia during symmetrical movement tasks: Evidence from surface EMG and kinematic analysis","authors":"Yaming Liu , Mianjia Shan , Fengxian Wu , Haixia Xie , Yixin Shen , Yan Qi , Wenxin Niu","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103445","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103445","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Neural pathways controlling the upper limb (UL) are spared in individuals with paraplegia, but the effect of lower-body sensorimotor pathways disruption on bilateral UL coordination remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the UL coordination in paraplegia during symmetrical movements.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Fifteen paraplegic individuals and nine healthy controls underwent surface electromyography and motion capture during two types of symmetrical movements to record activity of five bilateral shoulder muscles and bilateral shoulder joint angles. A modified Procrustes analysis aligned bilateral sEMG and angle curves. Maximum correlation coefficients (<span><math><msub><mi>r</mi><mi>max</mi></msub></math></span>) and normalized symmetry index (NSI) quantified bilateral similarity and symmetry. Canonical variates analysis (CVA) further assessed group differences.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The paraplegia group showed reduced bilateral symmetry and similarity compared to the controls. Main effects of group and movement were found for both <span><math><msub><mi>r</mi><mi>max</mi></msub></math></span> of all five muscles (group, <em>p</em> < 0.05; movement, <em>p</em> < 0.01) and NSI of shoulder joint angle in the sagittal plane (group, <em>p</em> = 0.049; movement, <em>p</em> = 0.006). Group effects (<em>p</em> < 0.05) were observed for NSI of the middle deltoid (MD), upper trapezius, and latissimus dorsi (LD). Significant movement effects were found in <span><math><msub><mi>r</mi><mi>max</mi></msub></math></span> of shoulder joint angle in the sagittal and coronal planes (<em>p</em> < 0.001). CVA achieved 93.8 % and 84.2 % group classification accuracy for the two movements, with MD, triceps brachii, and LD parameters contributing most.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Individuals with paraplegia exhibit impaired UL coordination, with neuromuscular measurements being more sensitive than kinematics in detecting deficits, highlighting the need for UL coordination restoration in rehabilitation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103445"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-07DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2025.103442
Maya Sato-Klemm , Alison M.M. Williams , Amanda E. Chisholm , Tania Lam
Objective
The purpose of this study is to compare the use of faded and constant knowledge of results (KR) on skill acquisition, retention, and transfer in an end-point precision locomotion task.
Methods
Participants were trained in an end-point precision locomotion task where they were asked to match their peak foot height during the swing phase as closely as possible to a target height. Targets were normalized to individual foot trajectory. Participants were randomized to a constant KR group (KR presented after each trial) or a faded KR group (KR provided on 50 % of trials, distributed using a faded procedure). Before acquisition, and immediately, 24, and 48 h after acquisition, participants were tested on their performance of the task. Participants were also tested in a transfer task immediately, 24, and 48 h after acquisition, where they wore an ankle weight of 2.5 % of their body weight to complete the performance test.
Results
Thirty-six healthy adults participated in this study. Our findings demonstrate that both constant and faded KR groups showed improvements in performance immediately after acquisition. However, the faded KR group outperformed the constant feedback group at 24 and 48 h with respect to both skill retention and transfer.
Conclusions
Faded KR leads to superior retention and transfer of an end-point precision locomotion task over time. Future research should explore these findings in clinical populations and the incorporation of other feedback modalities.
{"title":"Comparing the effects of faded vs. constant knowledge of results on the acquisition, retention, and transfer of a skilled walking task","authors":"Maya Sato-Klemm , Alison M.M. Williams , Amanda E. Chisholm , Tania Lam","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The purpose of this study is to compare the use of faded and constant knowledge of results (KR) on skill acquisition, retention, and transfer in an end-point precision locomotion task.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants were trained in an end-point precision locomotion task where they were asked to match their peak foot height during the swing phase as closely as possible to a target height. Targets were normalized to individual foot trajectory. Participants were randomized to a constant KR group (KR presented after each trial) or a faded KR group (KR provided on 50 % of trials, distributed using a faded procedure). Before acquisition, and immediately, 24, and 48 h after acquisition, participants were tested on their performance of the task. Participants were also tested in a transfer task immediately, 24, and 48 h after acquisition, where they wore an ankle weight of 2.5 % of their body weight to complete the performance test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirty-six healthy adults participated in this study. Our findings demonstrate that both constant and faded KR groups showed improvements in performance immediately after acquisition. However, the faded KR group outperformed the constant feedback group at 24 and 48 h with respect to both skill retention and transfer.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Faded KR leads to superior retention and transfer of an end-point precision locomotion task over time. Future research should explore these findings in clinical populations and the incorporation of other feedback modalities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103442"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702887","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-05DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2025.103430
Zixin Zhou , Zheng Liu
A quantitative assessment of fine motor abilities, as well as the design and optimisation of prosthetic and rehabilitation exoskeletons, can be supported by joint kinematic synergy analysis. However, extant research has primarily focused on discrete movements, offering limited insight into the coordination mechanisms underlying continuous fine motor tasks. This has resulted in considerable challenges with regard to practical implementation in both clinical and engineering contexts. The present study investigated the spatiotemporal characteristics of upper-limb joint synergies during drawing tasks involving targets of varying geometric compålexity. Angular velocity data from 17 upper-limb joints were collected from 15 healthy participants. Non-negative matrix factorization identified eight synergy modules that collectively accounted for over 90 % of the motion variance. An analysis of the spatial aspect reveals a correlation between increased target complexity and enhanced kinematic independence of distal joints. A parallel analysis of the temporal aspect demonstrates a close relationship between synergy activation patterns and the stability requirements of the task. Furthermore, geometric shape—rather than complexity level alone—emerged as the predominant factor influencing synergistic coordination strategies. These findings contribute to the enhancement of our understanding of continuous motor coordination and provide a data-driven foundation for clinical assessment, rehabilitation training, and the development of assistive technologies.
{"title":"Kinematic synergies in upper-limb drawing tasks: Effects of geometric complexity on fine motor control","authors":"Zixin Zhou , Zheng Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103430","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103430","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A quantitative assessment of fine motor abilities, as well as the design and optimisation of prosthetic and rehabilitation exoskeletons, can be supported by joint kinematic synergy analysis. However, extant research has primarily focused on discrete movements, offering limited insight into the coordination mechanisms underlying continuous fine motor tasks. This has resulted in considerable challenges with regard to practical implementation in both clinical and engineering contexts. The present study investigated the spatiotemporal characteristics of upper-limb joint synergies during drawing tasks involving targets of varying geometric compålexity. Angular velocity data from 17 upper-limb joints were collected from 15 healthy participants. Non-negative matrix factorization identified eight synergy modules that collectively accounted for over 90 % of the motion variance. An analysis of the spatial aspect reveals a correlation between increased target complexity and enhanced kinematic independence of distal joints. A parallel analysis of the temporal aspect demonstrates a close relationship between synergy activation patterns and the stability requirements of the task. Furthermore, geometric shape—rather than complexity level alone—emerged as the predominant factor influencing synergistic coordination strategies. These findings contribute to the enhancement of our understanding of continuous motor coordination and provide a data-driven foundation for clinical assessment, rehabilitation training, and the development of assistive technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103430"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-05DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2025.103431
Rajiv Ranganathan, Simon Cone, Narae Shin, Rakshith Lokesh, Brian Fox
The variability of practice hypothesis suggests that practicing with task variations enhances motor learning (Schmidt, 1975). However, in tasks with only a single criterion goal to be learned, the evidence that variable practice enhances retention of this criterion task compared to constant practice (i.e. practicing without task variations) is somewhat mixed. Here, we addressed this question using a registered report format. Participants (n = 80) learned a bimanual shuffleboard task where the goal was to slide a virtual puck toward a target, which required participants to release the puck at a specified speed. Two groups of participants were tested - the Constant group practiced with a specific criterion target location (which requires no variation in the puck speed), whereas the Variable group practiced the criterion target location along with 4 additional target locations. Pre-registered comparisons of retention after 24-h showed no evidence of significant differences between groups, with a Bayesian analysis showing support for the null hypothesis. Other exploratory analyses also showed no significant differences between groups. These results indicate that the variability of practice hypothesis may not be as universal as typically assumed but, more broadly, highlight the difficulty in using two-group experimental designs for hypothesis-testing in motor learning.
{"title":"A test of the variability vs. specificity hypotheses in the retention of a motor skill","authors":"Rajiv Ranganathan, Simon Cone, Narae Shin, Rakshith Lokesh, Brian Fox","doi":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.humov.2025.103431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The variability of practice hypothesis suggests that practicing with task variations enhances motor learning (<span><span>Schmidt, 1975</span></span>). However, in tasks with only a single criterion goal to be learned, the evidence that variable practice enhances retention of this criterion task compared to constant practice (i.e. practicing without task variations) is somewhat mixed. Here, we addressed this question using a registered report format. Participants (<em>n</em> = 80) learned a bimanual shuffleboard task where the goal was to slide a virtual puck toward a target, which required participants to release the puck at a specified speed. Two groups of participants were tested - the Constant group practiced with a specific criterion target location (which requires no variation in the puck speed), whereas the Variable group practiced the criterion target location along with 4 additional target locations. Pre-registered comparisons of retention after 24-h showed no evidence of significant differences between groups, with a Bayesian analysis showing support for the null hypothesis. Other exploratory analyses also showed no significant differences between groups. These results indicate that the variability of practice hypothesis may not be as universal as typically assumed but, more broadly, highlight the difficulty in using two-group experimental designs for hypothesis-testing in motor learning.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":55046,"journal":{"name":"Human Movement Science","volume":"105 ","pages":"Article 103431"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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