Mechanism for synchronized motion between two humans in mutual tapping experiments: transition from alternative mode to synchronization mode

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2013 Aug;88(2):022715. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.88.022715. Epub 2013 Aug 26.

Abstract

We performed mutual tapping experiments between two humans to investigate the conditions required for synchronized motion. A transition from an alternative mode to a synchronization mode was discovered under the same conditions as when a subject changed from a reactive mode to an anticipation mode in single tapping experiments. The experimental results suggest that the cycle time for each tapping motion is tuned by a proportional control that is based on synchronization errors and cycle time errors. As the tapping frequency increases, a mathematical model based on feedback control in the sensory-motor closed loop predicts a discrete transition of the mode as the gain factors of the proportional control decrease. The conditions for synchronization are shown as a consequence of the coupled dynamics based on the next feedback loop in the sensory-motor system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Feedback, Physiological
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological*
  • Movement*
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Time Factors