Existential reason of human handedness examined from tool-use during grasping tasks

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K07244
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Applied anthropology
• Research Institution: Prefectural University of Kumamoto
• Principal Investigator: Aoki Tomoko 熊本県立大学, 環境共生学部, 准教授 (50433412)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): SEKI KAZUHIKO 国立精神・神経医療研究センター, 神経研究所モデル動物開発研究部, 部長 (00226630)
• Research Collaborator: Schieber Marc H
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 利き手 / 道具 / 把握運動 / 動作解析

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Healthy right-handed 6 adults grasped an object with 3 axes force censer and moved to small or large target using the two digits or chopsticks. Using 3D motion capture system, positions of the object, the thumb and the index finger were examined. Exerted forces to the object were measured with the force censer. The EMG (electromyogram) of the musculus flexor digitorum superficialis and the extensor digitorum muscle were also examined. It was demonstrated that time required to move the object was longer for the task with the left hand than the right hand. The hand difference was more predominant in the tasks with chopsticks than the digits. Jerk of the object and fingertips was calculated at up-down direction. However, any difference was not observed between right and left hands, between chopsticks and the digits, and between small and large targets. Therefore, this parameter might not evaluate "awkwardness" in movements.

Free Research Field

応用人類学