Motor variability in elicited repeated bout rate enhancement is associated with higher sample entropy

In this study we investigated motor variability in individuals who showed (responders) and who did not show (non-responders) a behavioural phenomenon termed repeated bout rate enhancement. The phenomenon is characterized by an increase of the freely chosen index finger tapping rate during the second of two consecutive tapping bouts. It was hypothesized that responders would perform (i) tapping with a lower magnitude, but more complex structure of variability than non-responders and (ii) bout 2 with a lower magnitude and increased complexity of variability than bout 1, as opposed to non-responders. Individuals (n = 102) performed two 3-min tapping bouts separated by 10 min rest. Kinetic and kinematic recordings were performed. Standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and sample entropy (SaEn), representing magnitude and complexity of variability, were computed. For responders, SaEn of vertical displacement of the index finger was higher than for non-responders (p = .046). Further, SaEn of vertical force and vertical displacement was higher in bout 2 than in bout 1 for responders (p < .001 and p = .006, respectively). In general, SD of vertical displacement was lower in bout 2 than in bout 1 (p < .001). SaEn of vertical force was higher in bout 2 than in bout 1 (p = .009). The present lower SD and higher SaEn values of vertical force and displacement time series in bout 2 as compared to bout 1 suggest differences in the dynamics of finger tapping. Further, it is possible that the increases in SaEn of vertical displacement reflected a greater adaptability in the dynamics of motor control among responders compared with non-responders.