Minimum-jerk, two-thirds power law, and isochrony: converging approaches to movement planning

J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform. 1995 Feb;21(1):32-53. doi: 10.1037//0096-1523.21.1.32.

Abstract

Two approaches to the study of movement planning were contrasted. Data on the drawing of complex two-dimensional trajectories were used to test whether the covariations of the kinematic and geometrical parameters of the movement formalized by the two-thirds power law and by the isochrony principle (P. Viviani & R. Schneider, 1991) can be derived from the minimum-jerk model hypothesis (T. Flash & N. Hogan, 1985). The convergence of the 2 approaches was satisfactory insofar as the relation between tangential velocity and curvature is concerned (two-thirds power law). Global isochrony could not be deduced from the optimal control hypothesis. Scaling of velocity within movement subunits can instead be derived from the minimum-jerk hypothesis. The implications vis-à-vis the issue of movement planning are discussed with an emphasis on the representation used by the motor control system for coding the intended trajectories.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Attention*
  • Humans
  • Kinesthesis*
  • Male
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Motor Skills*
  • Orientation
  • Psychomotor Performance*
  • Psychophysics