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 mot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMotor control Vol. 11; no. 3; p. 276
Main Authors Latash, Mark L, Scholz, John P, Schöner, Gregor
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.2007
Subjects
Biomechanical Phenomena
Humans
Learning
Models, Biological
Motor Skills - physiology
Movement - physiology
Neurophysiology
Postural Balance - physiology
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1087-1640
DOI:10.1123/mcj.11.3.276