Embodiment and the origin of interval timing: Kinematic and electromyographic data
Category
Journal Article
Authors
Addyman, C., Rocha, S., Fautrelle, L., French, R. M., Thomas, E., and Mareschal, D.
Year
2017
Title
Embodiment and the origin of interval timing: Kinematic and electromyographic data
Journal / book / conference
Experimental Brain Research; doi:10.1007/s00221-016-4842-y
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that interval timing (the judgment of durations lasting from approximately 500 ms. to a few minutes) is closely coupled to the action control system. We used surface electromyography (EMG) and motion capture technology to explore the emergence of this coupling in 4-, 6-, and 8-month-olds. We engaged infants in an active and socially relevant arm-raising task with seven cycles and response period. In one condition, cycles were slow (every 4 s); in another, they were fast (every 2 s). In the slow condition, we found evidence of time-locked sub-threshold EMG activity even in the absence of any observed overt motor responses at all three ages. This study shows that EMGs can be a more sensitive measure of interval timing in early development than overt behavior.
Issue
235
Volume
3
Pages
923-930
Keywords
Interval timing, Infants, Electromyography, EMG, Embodiment