Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of target location on the hand trajectory and the displacements of trunk’s center of mass (COM) and the center of pressure (COP) during reaching tasks. [Subjects and Methods] 12 healthy young adult males participated. The reaching tasks were measured using the three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates. Subjects reached by the right hand to the targets in different three locations; straight ahead, 30° toward the right side, and 30° toward left side. Characteristics of the hand trajectory and the displacements of trunk’s COM and COP were calculated. [Results] In the straight ahead, the displacements of the COM and COP were longer than the left and right locations. There was not significant difference between the locations in the smoothness and straightness of the hand trajectory. In the straight ahead, the smoothness of the hand trajectory was significantly associated with the COM and COP. [Conclusion] These results suggested that it is possible to manipulate the reaching pattern specific effect by controlling movement time and the range of trunk movement.
