Grasping a 2D virtual target: The influence of target position and movement on gaze and digit placement.

Grasping a 2D virtual target: The influence of target position and movement on gaze and digit placement.
Hum Mov Sci. 2020 Jun;71:102625
Authors: Langridge RW, Marotta JJ
Abstract
While much has been learned about the visual pursuit and motor strategies used to intercept a moving object, less research has focused on the coordination of gaze and digit placement when grasping moving stimuli. Participants grasped 2D computer generated square targets that either encouraged placement of the index finger and thumb along the horizontal midline (Control targets) or had narrow "notches" in the top and bottom surfaces of the target, intended to discourage digit placement near the midline (Experimental targets). In Experiment 1, targets remained stationary at the left, middle, or right side of the screen. Gaze and digit placement were biased toward the closest side of non-central targets, and toward the midline of center targets. These locations were shifted rightward when grasping Experimental targets, suggesting participants prioritized visibility of the target. In Experiment 2, participants grasped horizontally translating targets at early, middle, or late stages of travel. Average gaze and digit placement were consistently positioned behind the moving target's horizontal midline when grasping. Gaze was directed farther behind the midline of Experimental targets, suggesting the absence of a flat central grasp location pulled participants' ga...

Source: Human Movement Science - May 27, 2020 Category: Neurology Authors: Langridge RW, Marotta JJ Tags: Hum Mov Sci Source Type: research