Behavioral and neuropsychological studies suggest that real actions and pantomimed actions tap, at least in part, different neural systems. Inspired by studies showing weight-attunement in real grasps, here we asked whether (and to what extent) kinematics of pantomimed reach-to-grasp movement can reveal the weight of the pretended target. To address this question, we instructed participants (n = 15) either to grasp or pretend to grasp toward two differently weighted objects, i.e., a light object and heavy object. Using linear discriminant analysis, we then proceeded to classify the weight of the target – either real or pretended – on the basis of the recorded movement patterns. Classification analysis revealed that pantomimed reach-to-grasp movements retained information about object weight, although to a lesser extent than real grasp movements. These results are discussed in relation to the mechanisms underlying the control of real and pantomimed grasping movements.

Are we real when we fake? Attunement to object weight in natural and pantomimed grasping movements

CAVALLO, Andrea;Quarona, Davide;KOUL, Atesh;BECCHIO, Cristina
2016-01-01

Abstract

Behavioral and neuropsychological studies suggest that real actions and pantomimed actions tap, at least in part, different neural systems. Inspired by studies showing weight-attunement in real grasps, here we asked whether (and to what extent) kinematics of pantomimed reach-to-grasp movement can reveal the weight of the pretended target. To address this question, we instructed participants (n = 15) either to grasp or pretend to grasp toward two differently weighted objects, i.e., a light object and heavy object. Using linear discriminant analysis, we then proceeded to classify the weight of the target – either real or pretended – on the basis of the recorded movement patterns. Classification analysis revealed that pantomimed reach-to-grasp movements retained information about object weight, although to a lesser extent than real grasp movements. These results are discussed in relation to the mechanisms underlying the control of real and pantomimed grasping movements.
2016
10
SEP2016
1
13
http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2016.00471/full
Kinematics; Linear discriminant analysis; Object weight; Pantomime; Reach-to-grasp; Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology; Neurology; Psychiatry and Mental Health; Biological Psychiatry; Behavioral Neuroscience
Ansuini, Caterina; Cavallo, Andrea; Campus, Claudio; Quarona, Davide; Koul, Atesh; Becchio, Cristina
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2318/1630451
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