Haptic human–human interaction does not improve individual visuomotor adaptation

Journal Article (2020)
Author(s)

Niek Beckers (University of Twente, TU Delft - Human-Robot Interaction)

Edwin H.F. van Asseldonk (University of Twente)

Herman van der Kooij (TU Delft - Biomechatronics & Human-Machine Control, University of Twente)

Research Group
Human-Robot Interaction
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-76706-x
More Info
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Publication Year
2020
Language
English
Research Group
Human-Robot Interaction
Issue number
1
Volume number
10
Article number
19902
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Abstract

Haptic interaction between two humans, for example, a physiotherapist assisting a patient regaining the ability to grasp a cup, likely facilitates motor skill acquisition. Haptic human–human interaction has been shown to enhance individual performance improvement in a tracking task with a visuomotor rotation perturbation. These results are remarkable given that haptically assisting or guiding an individual rarely benefits their individual improvement when the assistance is removed. We, therefore, replicated a study that reported that haptic interaction between humans was beneficial for individual improvement for tracking a target in a visuomotor rotation perturbation. In addition, we tested the effect of more interaction time and a stronger haptic coupling between the partners on individual improvement in the same task. We found no benefits of haptic interaction on individual improvement compared to individuals who practised the task alone, independent of interaction time or interaction strength.