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The role of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in interlimb coordination of coupled arm movements in the parasagittal plane: I. APAs associated with fast discrete flexion and extension movements of one arm or of both arms ISO- and ANTI-directionally coupled

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Abstract

Coupling stability during cyclic arm movements in the horizontal (transverse) plane is lower in ISO- than in ANTI-directional coupling. We proposed that such impairment arises from the interference exerted in ISO by the anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) linked to the primary movements. To evaluate if a link between coupling stability and postural adjustments also exist for arm movements with different postural requirements, we focused on arm(s) flexion–extension in the parasagittal plane and started by analysing the APAs distribution in arm, trunk and leg muscles. Fast flexion and extension of the right arm elicited APAs in the left anterior and posterior deltoid that replicated the excitation–inhibition of the homologous prime movers; this pattern would favour ISO and contrast ANTI-coupled movements. Instead, in the left latissimus dorsi, APAs were opposite to the voluntary actions in the right latissimus dorsi, thus favouring ANTI coupling. Symmetrical APAs were also elicited in right and left erector spinae (rES, lES) and asymmetrical APAs in Ischiocruralis (rIC, lIC), while an antero-posterior force (Fy) and a moment about the vertical axis (Tz) were discharged to the ground. When fast discrete movements were ISO-coupled, APAs were symmetrical in trunk (rES, lES) and leg (rIC, lIC) muscles and a large Fy but no Tz was generated. In ANTI coupling, APAs in rES and lES remained symmetrical, whereas they became antisymmetrical in rIC and lIC. A large Tz and a small Fy were recorded. In conclusion, during parasagittal movements, APAs in are elicited in both ISO and ANTI coupling, at variance with horizontal movements where they are only present in ISO. This would suggest that the difference in coupling stability between the two modes is smaller (or even reversed) in parasagittal with respect to horizontal arm movements.

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Notes

  1. Basic mechanics indicate that two reactions are generated at the shoulder: (1) a reaction torque (T R ) around the inter-shoulder axis in response to the prime movers action; and (2) a backward constraint force (F C ) in response to the forward acceleration of the arm centre of mass. T R will produce a forward displacement of the CoP while F C is discharged at the CoP as Fy plus (1) a torque about the mediolateral axis, opposite to T R (lever arm, the shoulder height), and (2) a torque Tz (lever arm, distance from shoulder to body vertical axis).

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a PUR grant from the Università degli Studi di Milano.

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  1. Sezione Fisiologia Umana, Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Medico-Chirurgica e dei Trapianti, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via L. Mangiagalli 32, 20133, Milan, Italy

    Roberto Esposti & Fausto G. Baldissera

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  1. Roberto Esposti
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  2. Fausto G. Baldissera
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Correspondence to Fausto G. Baldissera.

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Esposti, R., Baldissera, F.G. The role of anticipatory postural adjustments (APAs) in interlimb coordination of coupled arm movements in the parasagittal plane: I. APAs associated with fast discrete flexion and extension movements of one arm or of both arms ISO- and ANTI-directionally coupled. Exp Brain Res 228, 527–539 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-013-3584-3

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