Abstract
In this paper, we report the results from two experiments in which subjects were required to discriminate horizontal load forces applied to a manipulandum held with a precision grip. The roughness (and hence friction) of the grip surfaces and required grip force were manipulated. In the first experiment, subjects were instructed to judge the load while maintaining hand position and not letting the manipulandum slip. It was found that performance was influenced by surface texture; a given load was judged to be greater when the surface texture was smooth than when it was rough. This result is consistent with a previous study based on lifting objects and indicates that the effect of surface texture applies to loads in general and not just to gravitational loads (i.e., weight). To test whether the load acting on a smooth object is judged to be greater because the grip force required to prevent it from slipping is larger, a second experiment was carried out. Subjects used a visual feedback display to maintain the same grip force for smooth and rough manipulandum surfaces. In this case, there was no effect of surface texture on load perception. These results provide evidence that perceived load depends on the grip force used to resist the load. The implications of these results in terms of central and peripheral factors underlying load discrimination are considered.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.