Characteristics of instructed and uninstructed interpersonal coordination while walking side-by-side.
We examined how people synchronize their leg movements while walking side-by-side on a treadmill. Walker pairs were either instructed to synchronize their steps in in-phase or in antiphase or received no coordination instructions. Frequency and phase analysis revealed that instructed in-phase and antiphase coordination were equally stable and independent of walking speed and the difference in individually preferred stride frequencies. Without instruction we found episodes of frequency locking in three pairs and episodes of phase locking in four pairs, albeit not always at (or near) 0 degrees or 180 degrees. Again, we found no difference in the stability of in-phase and antiphase coordination and no systematic effects of walking speed and the difference in individually preferred stride frequencies. These results suggest that the Haken-Kelso-Bunz model for rhythmic interlimb coordination does not apply to interpersonal coordination during gait in a straightforward manner. When the typically involved parameter constraints are relaxed, however, this model may largely account for the observed dynamical characteristics.
van Ulzen
Niek R
NR
Department of Social Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 1, 1081 BT Amsterdam, The Netherlands. NR.van.Ulzen@psy.vu.nl
Lamoth
Claudine J C
CJ
Daffertshofer
Andreas
A
Semin
Gün R
GR
Beek
Peter J
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007100:Imitative Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D007699:Kinesthesis; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D010507:Periodicity; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D012919:Social Behavior; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology