Citation

Van Galen GP, van Doorn RR, Schomaker LR. J. Exp. Psychol. Hum. Percept. Perform. 1990; 16(4): 755-765.

Affiliation

Nijmegen Institute for Cognition Research and Information Technology, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1990, American Psychological Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2148590

Abstract

Power spectral density analysis was applied to the frequency content of the acceleration signal of pen movements in line drawing. The relative power in frequency bands between 1 and 32 Hz was measured as a function of motoric and anatomic task demands. Results showed a decrease of power at the lower frequencies (1-4 Hz) of the spectrum and an increase in the middle (9-12 Hz), with increasing motor demands. These findings evidence the inhibition of visual control and the disinhibition of physiological tremor under conditions of increased programming demands. Adductive movements displayed less power than abductive movements in the lower end of the spectrum, with a simultaneous increase at the higher frequencies. The relevance of the method for the measurement of neuromotor noise as a possible origin of delays in motor behavior is discussed.

Language: en