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One more time about motor (and non-motor) synergies

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Abstract

We revisit the concept of synergy based on the recently translated classical book by Nikolai Bernstein (On the construction of movements, Medgiz, Moscow 1947; Latash, Bernstein’s Construction of Movements, Routledge, Abingdon 2020b) and progress in understanding the physics and neurophysiology of biological action. Two aspects of synergies are described: organizing elements into stable groups (modes) and ensuring dynamical stability of salient performance variables. The ability of the central nervous system to attenuate synergies in preparation for a quick action—anticipatory synergy adjustments—is emphasized. Recent studies have demonstrated synergies at the level of hypothetical control variables associated with spatial referent coordinates for effectors. Overall, the concept of synergies fits naturally the hierarchical scheme of control with referent coordinates with an important role played by back-coupling loops within the central nervous system and from peripheral sensory endings. Further, we review studies showing non-trivial changes in synergies with development, aging, fatigue, practice, and a variety of neurological disorders. Two aspects of impaired synergic control—impaired stability and impaired agility—are introduced. The recent generalization of the concept of synergies for non-motor domains, including perception, is discussed. We end the review with a list of unresolved and troubling issues.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

Studies reviewed in this paper have been supported by several NIH grants over the past 25 years: HD030128, NS035032, AG018751, AR048563, and NS095873. The author is grateful to all the students and visiting scholars who took part in the cited studies.

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  1. Department of Kinesiology, Rec.Hall-268N, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Mark L. Latash

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Latash, M.L. One more time about motor (and non-motor) synergies. Exp Brain Res 239, 2951–2967 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-021-06188-4

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