MORE | Spring 2022

Investigating How Training Improves Dexterous Finger Force Control

Many activities of daily living like buttoning shirts or threading a needle require dexterous control of appropriate forces (or movement) of individual fingers. However, intending to move one finger is usually accompanied by movement of other unintended fingers, making it challenging to perform these tasks. This phenomenon is known as Finger Force Enslaving and is highly characteristic of stroke patients and toddlers, imposing challenges in their daily lives. Previous research showed that intense piano practice enhances individual finger movement and control. This research focuses on investigating how short-term training reduces finger force enslaving and hence improves dexterous finger force control.