Mechanisms of interpersonal sway synchrony and stability.

ABSTRACT: Here we explain the neural and mechanical mechanisms responsible for synchronizing sway and improving postural control during physical contact with another standing person. Postural control processes were modelled using an inverted pendulum under continuous feedback control. Interpersonal interactions were simulated either by coupling the sensory feedback loops or by physically coupling the pendulums with a damped spring. These simulations precisely recreated the timing and magnitude of sway interactions observed empirically. Effects of firmly grasping another person's shoulder were explained entirely by the mechanical linkage. This contrasted with light touch and/or visual contact, which were explained by a sensory weighting phenomenon; each person's estimate of upright was based on a wei

SUBMITTER: Reynolds RF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4223902 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature