Increased effort affects performance in a joint pick-and-place task

This study examines how human movements are adapted when interacting with another person. It is also considered that the sequence of the movement can be to the choice of both actors. Different parameters of pick-and-place movements are compared in situations in which one person is moving alone or conjointly with a partner while the sequence of the task was predefined or made up by the participant. A schematic framework for the interpretation of increased effort is provided. Results are discussed in relation to improvements for human-robot-interaction.