Coordination of the upper and lower extremities

Abstract Simultaneous walking and hand clapping were utilized to examine the patterns of coordination between upper and lower limbs. Eighteen normal adult subjects were filmed at high speed under instructions to: (a) walk and clap at a self-determined “preferred” speed, (b) walk as fast as possible while clapping at the preferred speed, (c) walk at the preferred speed while clapping as fast as possible and (d) walk and clap as fast as possible. Temporal data and individual patterns of phase relations were analyzed. Results indicated a disruption of the preferred clap cycle when combine with fast walking. The degree of disruption was a function of the individual coordinative pattern at the preferred rate. It is concluded that: (a) the temporal patterning of the clap cycle can be dictated by the step cycle, (b) heel strike is the point about which the clap cycle is modulated, and (c) subjects can select from various modes of phase linkage.