Recurrence quantification as an analysis of temporal coordination with complex signals

Abstract

Ample past research demonstrates that human rhythmic behavior and rhythmic coordination reveal complex dynamics. More recently, researchers have begun to examine the dynamics of coordination with complex, fractal signals. Here, we present preliminary research investigating how recurrence quantification techniques might be applied to study temporal coordination with complex signals. Participants attempted to synchronize their rhythmic finger tapping behavior with metronomes with varying fractal scaling properties. The results demonstrated that coordination, as assessed by recurrence analyses, differed with the fractal scaling of the metronome stimulus. Overall, these results suggest that recurrence analyses may aid in understanding temporal coordination between complex systems.