Dimensional analysis of motion: II. Travel-distance effects

Abstract

In the performance of actual manipulation, simple grasp and turn movements of the hand are performed 54% faster than simple grasp and pull movements. During repetitive motion, the travel time for the turn movements is about 32% faster than that for the pull movements. The results of this study show that travel aspects of motion are relatively less affected by learning than the manipulative reactions in a working movement. A problem for understanding the role of learning in psychomotor skill is posed here inasmuch as it is the travel elements of a complex movement pattern which define the overall organization of the pattern. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)