Using the Framework of the Uncontrolled Manifold Hypothesis to Explore Motor Synergies
Mark L. Latash, Ph.D.
Department of Kinesiology
Penn State University
Host: Boris Prilutsky
Time: 1pm - 3pm Monday, November 9
Location: CRB, room 119J
Abstract:
This workshop will address some of the recent developments in analysis of redundant systems that participate in the production of virtually all natural movements. The approach is based on an idea that the neural control of large sets of elements results in co-variation of their outputs (elemental variables) that stabilizes important performance characteristics of motor actions. Such sets of elemental variables organized by the central nervous system will be addressed as synergies stabilizing those performance variables. The framework of the uncontrolled manifold hypothesis can be used to offer an operational definition for a 'synergy' that allows to identify and quantify synergies in a variety of spaces, populations, and tasks. A few exemplary cases will be considered that include analysis of kinematic, kinetic, and electromyographic synergies, synergies in atypical populations, and changes in synergies with practice.