Structural Constraints on Timing in Human Finger Movements

Abstract

A long-term research goal is to understand how the human nervous system is related to control, coordination, economy, and skill in sequential movements. In the last few years, my research has dealt primarily with manual activities, particularly those requiring independent finger movements. These movements may occur in experimenter-defined tasks, or in the context of manipulation or communication using sign language, gesture and keyboards, (as in typing or playing the piano). In this paper, I will first examine some philosophical presuppositions which I think are crucial for how we pose questions and formulate answers about motor learning and control. Second, I will outline research conducted by myself and others to examine constraints on liming in the performance of tasks requiring rapid sequential or simultaneous finger movements. Having looked at these constraints we will consider implications for theories and future research in motor control and learning.