| The purpose of the study was to test whether effector independence in grasping depends on task-complexity and the performers' prior experience. The kinematics of reach-to-grasp movements of inexperienced chopstick users (novices) was compared to the pattern of much experienced users (skilled). Three grasp conditions were examined: regular chopsticks, modified chopsticks, and hand grasp. Seated participants picked up the three different sized objects with using each grasp.;Regardless of the grasp used, we found that maximum aperture was scaled to object size for both skill groups. However, compared to skilled participants, novices significantly prolonged temporal measures during the reach when using regular or modified chopsticks. In addition, during grasping with modified or regular chopsticks, novices had longer opening and closing times than skilled. Lastly, within-subject variability (coefficient of variation) of all novices' kinematic measures was significantly higher than skilled under two chopsticks conditions. In conclusion, the results are interpreted as further evidence in favor of independence of effector. |
