A new analysis released today in the journal PLOS One uncovers some thrilling findings. It’s a great illustration of how collaborative work fosters the ability to move in sync. Directed by investigators at the University of Vienna, the study with 68 participants was conducted in same-gender pairs. Clara Scheer, the lead author from UNSW’s Division of Sport Psychology, led the research. She investigated how collaborative conflict resolution increases physical coordination when jumping on a trampoline.
Using a randomization method, their research team grouped pairs of participants into either Group A or Group B. In the first cohort, pairs worked together to complete a jigsaw puzzle. At the same time, people in the non-collaborative group did the puzzles individually. This design was intended to determine if cooperation would improve coordination when subjects moved on to jumping on individual trampolines.
After the puzzle phase, players jumped on a trampoline, and their movements were closely monitored with the help of acceleration sensors. Analysis of the results revealed that the pairs working on the puzzle were synchronized in their jumping while on the trampoline. They showed increased levels of synchrony than those who worked on their own. The beauty of this phenomenon is that it embodies a crucial concept. As Morella writes, synchronization acts as “social glue” that reinforces interpersonal bonds by facilitating shared experiences and moments of connection.
The researchers pointed out that the key to creating interpersonal synchrony is mutual cooperation and trust. The findings suggest that when individuals work together to achieve a common goal, such as completing a jigsaw puzzle, they develop an intuitive attunement to each other’s movements. This attunement seems to be the key ingredient for effective co-creation and allows the experience of working together to be pleasurable and joyful.
Clara Scheer, one of the study’s lead authors, highlighted how their findings could inform our understanding about how humans interact. “Acting together not only facilitates task completion but strengthens the bond between individuals,” she stated. The study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of teamwork and highlights the role of shared activities in promoting synchronization.
This study deepens our knowledge of how individuals can move in sync. It shows the psychological perks that collaboration brings, no matter the context. As society continues to navigate collaborative environments, understanding how teamwork influences physical and social interactions becomes increasingly relevant.