Time dependence of coupling in frequency-scaled bimanual coordination

Prior research has shown that fluctuations in the relative phase of bimanual coordination do not reflect a white Gaussian noise process. The present study furthered the examination of time-dependent properties in bimanual coordination by comparing the magnitude of relative phase variability and the degree of effector independence within the time domain. The original Kelso (1984) [10] bimanual frequency-scaling protocol was reproduced in which phase transitions from antiphase to in-phase were induced with increasing movement frequency. The results showed that as movement frequency was scaled-up the amount of relative phase variability increased and the effector movements became more dependent prior to the transition. This is consistent with previous modeling showing that stronger effector coupling can prevent the occurrence of phase transitions when long range correlations in relative phase are present. It appears that, as movement frequency is scaled up, increases in effector coupling strength minimize loss of pattern stability and delay the onset of phase transitions.

Research highlights▶ Relative phase variability increased as movement frequency was scaled up. ▶ Effector coupling was stronger in the in-phase pattern than in the antiphase pattern. ▶ As movement frequency was scaled up the effectors became more strongly coupled in the antiphase pattern prior to phase transition. ▶ It appears that, as movement frequency is scaled up, increases in effector coupling strength minimize loss of pattern stability and delay the onset of phase transitions.