title: Dual-Finger Preferred-Speed Tapping: Effects of Coordination Mode and Anatomical Finger and Limb Pairings.
abstract: Interlimb and interfinger coordination were examined in a dual-finger tapping paradigm in which 16 subjects performed at preferred frequencies. Three bimanual finger combinations, in random order (2 index; 2 middle; and 1 index and 1 middle), were performed in in-phase and antiphase coordination modes, in addition to 1 unimanual combination (antiphase index-middle). Relative phase means were within 3&percent; accuracy for all conditions. A lower tapping frequency was found in all antiphase vs. in-phase conditions, accompanied by lower phasing variability and lower intrafinger consistency in the antiphase. When frequency was changed from the preferred rate, the 2 coordination modes became more alike in variability and, within the same frequency range, demonstrated no significant differences. The bimanual mixed-fingers tapping tended to have significantly lower phasing values (a small fixed point drift) and higher tapping frequencies than the symmetric conditions. The unimanual task was similar to all other antiphase conditions. Changes in preferred frequency with different coordination modes may be related to differing perceptual informational constraints. Current models addressing natural frequencies of coupled oscillators do not account for the present data.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, 100 Penn Street, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Fawltyjw@physio.umaryland.edu
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whitall
authors.forename: Larry
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Forrester
authors.forename: Suning
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Song