Accessing interpersonal and intrapersonal coordination dynamics

• Published in: Experimental brain research Vol. 238; no. 1; pp. 17 - 27
• Main Authors: Kovacs, Attila J., Wang, Yiyu, Kennedy, Deanna M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2020; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Brain research; Coordination; Feedback; Investigations; Neurology; Neurosciences; Phase transitions; Research Article; Interpersonal coordination; Coordination dynamics; Integrated feedback; Lissajous feedback; Bimanual coordination; Intrapersonal coordination
• ISSN: 0014-4819; 1432-1106
• DOI: 10.1007/s00221-019-05676-y

Both intrapersonal and interpersonal coordination dynamics have traditionally been investigated using relative phase patterns of in-phase ( ϕ  = 0°) and/or anti-phase ( ϕ  = 180°). Numerous investigations have demonstrated that coordination tasks that require other relative phase patterns (e.g., 90°) are difficult or near impossible to perform without extended practice. Recent findings, however, have demonstrated that an individual can produce a wide range of intrapersonal bimanual patterns within a few minutes of practice when provided integrated feedback. The present experiment was designed to directly compare intra- and interpersonal coordination performance and variability when provided Lissajous feedback or pacing metronome. Single participants ( N  = 12) and pairs of participants ( N  = 24, 12 pairs) were required to produce relative phase patterns between 0° and 180° in 30° increments using either pacing metronomes or Lissajous displays. The Lissajous displays involved a goal template and a cursor providing integrated feedback regarding the position of the two effectors. The results indicated both single and pairs of participants could effectively produce a large range of coordination patterns that typically act as repellers after only 6 min of practice when provided integrated feedback. However, single participants performed the in-phase coordination pattern more accurately and with less variability than paired participants, regardless of the feedback condition. These results suggest an advantage for intrapersonal coordination when performing in-phase coordination, possibly due to the stabilizing effect occurring via the neuro-muscular linkage between effectors.