Changes in movement variables associated with transient overshoot of the final position

Transient overshoot (TO), which is assessed as the distance between the mov ement amplitude and the final position, was measured in a series of rapid, discrete elbow flexion movements performed under different distance and loa ding conditions by 7 participants. A positive relationship was found betwee n kinematic variables (peak velocity, peak acceleration and deceleration, a nd the symmetry ratio) and the magnitude of TO, particularly in short movem ents performed against a light load The relationships between TO and electr omyographic (EMG) variables were low and mainly insignificant. Thus, TO con tributes to the variability of rapid, discrete movements and therefore shou ld be taken into account as an additional parameter in studies of the scali ng of movement variables with movement mechanical conditions. TO could also represent a consequence of mechanical properties of the single-joint syste m rather than an independently programmed primary submovement.