Does planning a different trajectory influence the choice of grasping points?

Exp Brain Res. 2010 Sep;206(1):15-24. doi: 10.1007/s00221-010-2382-4. Epub 2010 Sep 7.

Abstract

We examined whether the movement path is considered when selecting the positions at which the digits will contact the object's surface (grasping points). Subjects grasped objects of different heights but with the same radius at various locations on a table. At some locations, one digit crossed to the side of the object opposite of where it started. In doing so, it moved over a short object whereas it curved around a tall object. This resulted in very different paths for different objects. Importantly, the selection of grasping points was unaffected. That subjects do not appear to consider the path when selecting grasping points suggests that the grasping points are selected before planning the movements towards those points.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attention / physiology*
  • Choice Behavior / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fingers / innervation
  • Fingers / physiopathology
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Hand Strength / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement / physiology*
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Reaction Time / physiology
  • Space Perception / physiology*
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Young Adult