Interaction between interpersonal and postural coordination during frequency scaled rhythmic sway: the role of dance expertise

Light fingertip touch between partners swaying rhythmically side by side evokes interpersonal synchrony. In non-dancers and dancers swaying to a metronome, we examined the effects of frequency scaling and touch between the partners on both postural (ankle–hip) and inter-personal coordination. In both groups, touch did not interfere with the ankle–hip coordination. In non-dancers but not dancers, increasing frequency resulted in a loss of the ankle–hip coupling that was accompanied by a reduction of the touch mediated interpersonal synchrony. It is suggested that the effect of touch on interpersonal synchrony depends on the reliability of the haptic information sensed at the fingertip and assumes an in phase ankle–hip coupling. These findings have implications in clinical practice when using touch to help balance impaired individuals.