Toward a new theory of motor synergies.
Driven by recent empirical studies, we offer a new understanding of the degrees of freedom problem, and propose a refined concept of synergy as a neural organization that ensures a one-to-many mapping of variables providing for both stability of important performance variables and flexibility of motor patterns to deal with possible perturbations and/or secondary tasks. Empirical evidence is reviewed, including a discussion of the operationalization of stability/flexibility through the method of the uncontrolled manifold. We show how this concept establishes links between the various accounts for how movement is organized in redundant effector systems.
Latash
Mark L
ML
Dept of Kinesiology, Pennyslvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Scholz
John P
JP
Schöner
Gregor
G
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008954:Models, Biological; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009482:Neurophysiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology