title: Evaluating the coordination dynamics of handwriting.
abstract: This study aims to test the hypothesis that handwriting is governed by the dynamics of non-linear coupled oscillators. Accordingly, its first goal is to identify preferred, basic graphic shapes corresponding to spontaneously stable combinations of the two frequency-locked oscillatory x-y components of the trajectories. Six participants were required to produce 26 ellipsoids of varying eccentricities and orientations presented consecutively on a graphic tablet. These shapes corresponded to a systematic manipulation of the relative phase and the relative amplitude of the oscillators by a constant step. Results showed that among those, only eight ellipsoids were produced in a spontaneous and stable fashion. They were characterized by attraction of nearby shapes, and by a higher accuracy and velocity. Alike all periodic motion, graphic skills, hence handwriting, exhibit preferred coordination patterns, which can be ascribed to the non-linear coupling of two oscillators.
authors.affiliation: Centre d'Etudes de la Navigation Aérienne, 7 Avenue Edouard Belin, BP 4005, 31005 Toulouse Cedex, France. athenes@cena.fr
authors.forename: Sylvie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Athènes
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sallagoïty
authors.forename: Pier-Giorgio
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Zanone
authors.forename: Jean-Michel
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Albaret
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006236:Handwriting; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D009949:Orientation; D011597:Psychomotor Performance