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Relativistic effects in single-joint voluntary movements

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Abstract

We assume that there is an upper limit for the rate of change of controlled variables in the motor control system. Superposition of two single-joint motor programs can lead to a distortion of their simple algebraic summation similar to relativistic Lorenz transformations. Experiments were carried out with the subjects performing fast oscillatory elbow movements on the background of a smooth elbow flexion. Changes in the period of oscillations during the smooth movement were used as index of time tranformations. Statistically 5%–7% changes in the period were observed for each of the subjects corresponding to the predictions of the model.

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Latash, M.L., Gutman, S.R. & Gottlieb, G.L. Relativistic effects in single-joint voluntary movements. Biol. Cybern. 65, 401–406 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216974

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00216974

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