Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the controllability of several pursuit movements of the arm muscles. Three subjects in a sitting position were studied for elbow flexion and extension. Three wave forms (sinusoidal, sawtooth and rectangular) on VDT were followed by the subjects, and 5 work loads were given at 0.3 Hz frequency. The following results were obtained: 1. There was phasic delay in the order: sinusoidal (-10 degrees), sawtooth (-15 Degrees), rectangular (-20 degrees). 2. An overshoot phenomenon was observed for each wave form during the flexion phase at a work load under 10 of the maximum strength. At a work load of over 10 of the maximum strength, an undershoot phenomenon was observed. 3. With regard to controllability, the error area increased in the order: sinusoidal (4 + o 7), sawtooth (6 + o 12), rectangular (15 + o 25). 4. There was a significantly smaller EMG output from antagonists during both the flexion and extension phases at workloads of 4 and 8 kg. Verf.-Referat