Control of hand shaping in response to object shape perturbation

This study assessed how hand shaping responds to a perturbation of object shape. In blocked trials (80% of total), subjects were instructed to reach, to grasp and lift a concave or a convex object. In perturbed trials (20% of total), a rotating device allowed for the rapid change from the concave to the convex object or vice versa. In this situation subjects grasped the last presented object. Flexion/extension at the metacarpal-phalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints of all digits was measured by resistive sensors embedded in a glove. In the blocked condition we found that most joints of the fingers were modulated by the type of the to-be-grasped object during the reach. When object shape was perturbed, reach duration was longer and angular excursion of all fingers differed with respect to blocked trials. For the 'convex → concave' perturbation, a greater degree of finger extension was found than during the blocked 'concave' trials. In contrast, for the 'concave → convex' perturbation, fingers were more flexed than for the blocked 'convex' trials. The thumb reacted to the perturbation showing a similar pattern (i.e., over-flexion with respect to the blocked trials) regardless the 'direction' of the perturbation. The present results suggest that applying an object shape perturbation during a reach-to-grasp action determines a reorganization of all digits. This pattern is suggestive of a control strategy, which assigns to opposing digits different roles.