Null Effects of Different Amounts of Task Variation in Both Contextual Interference and Differential Learning Paradigms

2021 ◽  
pp. 003151252110223
Author(s):  
Marcus Schmidt ◽  
Markus Kemena ◽  
Thomas Jaitner
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Contextual Interference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Weekly Schedule ◽  
Training Groups ◽  
Differential Learning ◽  
Task Variation

Various motor learning approaches, such as Schema Theory, Contextual Interference or Differential Learning, have proposed that varying the task during skill acquisition prompts superior learning. However, past research has mainly compared task variation in an experimental group to no task variation in a control group. Past research has more rarely compared specific intervention groups and/or addressed how varying amounts of task variation may affect skill learning. Our aim in this study was to compare motor learning of golf putting across four groups of novice golfers randomly assigned to these conditions: (a) a contextual interference group who putted at varied putting distances and had varied repetitive weekly schedule patterns, (b) a differential learning group who putted at multiple putting distances, putting amplitudes, and putting movements and had no repetitions, (c) an identical differential learning as in (b) except that participants also varied the putter, and (d) a control group who experienced no practice variations. Participants were 42 university students randomly divided into the four groups. All groups completed eight training sessions of 36 putts per session over four weeks, a pretest, posttest, two retention tests (one and three weeks after posttest) and transfer tasks (different floor). Average hit ratios and minimal distances to the hole were captured and analyzed by Scheirer-Ray-Hare test and Mann-Whitney post-hoc tests. Results showed improved hit ratios from pre- to post-test for all groups, and a stable retention performance for the variable training groups in contrast to the control group ( p = .003). Transfer performance was low for all variable training groups with a significantly lower control group performance on transfer test 2 ( p = .008). In conclusion, variable training schedules in all experimental groups benefited motor learning relative to controls, and differences in the amount of task variation between groups with variable training schedules did not affect skill acquisition.

Nonvisual Motor Learning Improves Visual Motion Perception: Evidence From Violating the Two-Thirds Power Law

2010 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 1612-1624 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.A.M. Beets ◽  
F. Rösler ◽  
K. Fiehler
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Velocity Profile ◽  
Power Law ◽  
Visual Discrimination ◽  
Discrimination Task ◽  
Visual Motion ◽  
Visual Discrimination Task ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Motor Training ◽  
Training Groups

Few studies have reported direct effects of motor learning on visual perception, especially when using novel movements for the motor system. Atypical motor behaviors that violate movement constraints provide an excellent opportunity to study action-to-perception transfer. In our study, we passively trained blindfolded participants on movements violating the 2/3 power law. Before and after motor training, participants performed a visual discrimination task in which they decided whether two consecutive movements were same or different. For motor training, we randomly assigned the participants to two motor training groups or a control group. The motor training group experienced either a weak or a strong elliptic velocity profile on a circular trajectory that matched one of the visual test stimuli. The control group was presented with linear trajectories unrelated to the viewed movements. After each training session, participants actively reproduced the movement to assess motor learning. The group trained on the strong elliptic velocity profile reproduced movements with increasing elliptic velocity profiles while circular geometry remained constant. Furthermore, both training groups improved in visual discrimination ability for the learned movement as well as for highly similar movements. Participants in the control group, however, did not show any improvements in the visual discrimination task nor did participants who did not acquire the trained movement. The present results provide evidence for a transfer from action to perception which generalizes to highly related movements and depends on the success of motor learning. Moreover, under specific conditions, it seems to be possible to acquire movements deviating from the 2/3 power law.

Optimal Variability for Effective Motor Learning

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Birklbauer
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Contextual Interference ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Practical Training ◽  
Movement Variability ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Differential Learning ◽  
Variable Practice

This thesis addresses different manifestations and practical implementations of movement variability in respect to their beneficial effects on movement coordination and learning. The focal point of this topic is formed by the comparison between the contextual interference paradigm and the differential learning approach, representing two variable practice strategies found to improve motor learning performance under certain conditions. The theoretical backgrounds and empirical findings of each approach are thoroughly reviewed in the first part of this work. These theoretical concepts, and their resultant practical training approaches, arrive at the notion of an optimal magnitude and structure of movement variability that should be encouraged during practice. The second part of this work presents a parallelgroup study designed to contrast the effects of a high contextual interference and schema-based practice regime with two variants of differential training on the adoption of two indoor hockey skills in beginners.

scholarly journals Motor and Audiovisual Learning Consolidate Auditory Memory of Tonally Ambiguous Melodies

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Schiavio ◽  
Renee Timmers
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Auditory Feedback ◽  
Learning Phase ◽  
Auditory Memory ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Learning Condition ◽  
Familiarization Phase ◽  
The Way

The present study investigated the role of motor and audiovisual learning in the memorization of four tonally ambiguous melodies for piano. A total of one hundred and twenty participants divided into three groups — pianists, other musicians (i.e., not pianists), and nonmusicians — learned the melodies through either playing them on a keyboard (playing condition), through performing the melodies on a piano without auditory feedback (silent playing condition), through watching a video with a performer playing the melodies (seeing condition), or through listening to them (control condition). Participants were exposed to each melody four times during the learning phase (in additional to hearing it once during a familiarization phase). This exposure consisted of an alternation between hearing the melody and engaging with the melody in the way determined by the learning condition. Participants in the control group only received the auditory aspect of the learning phase and listened to each melody twice. Memory of the melodies was tested after a 10-minute break. Our results indicate a benefit of motor learning for all groups of participants, suggesting that active sensorimotor experience plays a key role in musical skill acquisition.

scholarly journals Motor learning-based activities may improve functional ability in adults with severe cerebral palsy: A controlled pilot study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Helle Hüche Larsen ◽  
Rasmus Feld Frisk ◽  
Maria Willerslev-Olsen ◽  
Jens Bo Nielsen
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Motor Learning ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Functional Ability ◽  
Active Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gross Motor ◽  
Gross Motor Function ◽  
Learning Principles

BACKGROUND: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disturbance characterized by impaired control of movement. Function often decreases and 15% of adults are classified as severely affected (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale III-V). Little is known about interventions that aim to improve functional abilities in this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a 12-week intervention based on motor learning principles on functional ability in adults with severe CP. METHODS: 16 adults (36±10 years, GMFCS III-V) were enrolled and divided into an intervention group (Active group) and a standard care group (Control group). Primary outcome measure was Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-88). Secondary measures were neurological status. The Active group were measured at baseline, after the intervention and at one-month follow-up. The Control group were measured at baseline and after one month. RESULTS: Analysis showed statistically significant improvement in GMFM-88 for the Active group from baseline to post assessment compared with the Control group (group difference: 5 points, SE 14.5, p = 0.008, CI: 1.2 to 8.7). Improvements were maintained at follow-up. Results from the neurological screening showed no clear tendencies. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides support that activities based on motor learning principles may improve gross motor function in adults with severe CP.

scholarly journals How Downward and Upward Comparisons on Facebook Influence Grandiose and Vulnerable Narcissists’ Self-Esteem—A Priming Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Phillip Ozimek ◽  
Hans-Werner Bierhoff ◽  
Elke Rohmann
Keyword(s):  
Social Networking Sites ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Social Comparisons ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Vulnerable Narcissism ◽  
And Control

Past research showed that social networking sites represent perfect platforms to satisfy narcissistic needs. The present study aimed to investigate how grandiose (GN) and vulnerable narcissism (VN) as well as social comparisons are associated with Facebook activity, which was measured with a self-report on three activity dimensions: Acting, Impressing, and Watching. In addition, the state self-esteem (SSE) was measured with respect to performance, social behavior, and appearance. One hundred and ten participants completed an online survey containing measures of SSE and Facebook activity and a priming procedure with three experimental conditions embedded in a social media context (upward comparison, downward comparison, and control group). Results indicated, as expected, that high VN was negatively associated with SSE on each subscale and the overall score. In addition, it was found that VN, but not GN, displayed positive associations with frequency of Facebook activities. Finally, it was proposed and confirmed that VN in interaction with the priming of downward comparisons negatively affected SSE. The conclusion drawn is that VN represents a key variable for the prediction of self-esteem as well as for the frequency of Facebook activity.

scholarly journals Explicit motor sequence learning after stroke: a neuropsychological study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Russo ◽  
Laura Veronelli ◽  
Carlotta Casati ◽  
Alessia Monti ◽  
Laura Perucca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Motor Learning ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Motor Recovery ◽  
Finger Tapping ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Motor Sequence ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Motor Practice

AbstractMotor learning interacts with and shapes experience-dependent cerebral plasticity. In stroke patients with paresis of the upper limb, motor recovery was proposed to reflect a process of re-learning the lost/impaired skill, which interacts with rehabilitation. However, to what extent stroke patients with hemiparesis may retain the ability of learning with their affected limb remains an unsolved issue, that was addressed by this study. Nineteen patients, with a cerebrovascular lesion affecting the right or the left hemisphere, underwent an explicit motor learning task (finger tapping task, FTT), which was performed with the paretic hand. Eighteen age-matched healthy participants served as controls. Motor performance was assessed during the learning phase (i.e., online learning), as well as immediately at the end of practice, and after 90 min and 24 h (i.e., retention). Results show that overall, as compared to the control group, stroke patients, regardless of the side (left/right) of the hemispheric lesion, do not show a reliable practice-dependent improvement; consequently, no retention could be detected in the long-term (after 90 min and 24 h). The motor learning impairment was associated with subcortical damage, predominantly affecting the basal ganglia; conversely, it was not associated with age, time elapsed from stroke, severity of upper-limb motor and sensory deficits, and the general neurological condition. This evidence expands our understanding regarding the potential of post-stroke motor recovery through motor practice, suggesting a potential key role of basal ganglia, not only in implicit motor learning as previously pointed out, but also in explicit finger tapping motor tasks.

Implications of Optimal Feedback Control Theory for Sport Coaching and Motor Learning: A Systematic Review

Motor Control ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Steven van Andel ◽  
Robin Pieper ◽  
Inge Werner ◽  
Felix Wachholz ◽  
Maurice Mohr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Feedback Control ◽  
Motor Learning ◽  
Control Theory ◽  
Skill Acquisition ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Optimal Feedback Control ◽  
Optimal Feedback ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Novel Theory ◽  
Feedback Control Theory

Best practice in skill acquisition has been informed by motor control theories. The main aim of this study is to screen existing literature on a relatively novel theory, Optimal Feedback Control Theory (OFCT), and to assess how OFCT concepts can be applied in sports and motor learning research. Based on 51 included studies with on average a high methodological quality, we found that different types of training seem to appeal to different control processes within OFCT. The minimum intervention principle (founded in OFCT) was used in many of the reviewed studies, and further investigation might lead to further improvements in sport skill acquisition. However, considering the homogenous nature of the tasks included in the reviewed studies, these ideas and their generalizability should be tested in future studies.

scholarly journals Improving novel motor learning through prior high contextual interference training

2018 ◽  
Vol 182 ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Kim ◽  
J. Chen ◽  
W.B. Verwey ◽  
D.L. Wright
Keyword(s):  
Motor Learning ◽  
Contextual Interference

scholarly journals Repetition without Repetition or Differential Learning of Multiple Techniques in Volleyball?

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10499
Author(s):  
Julius B. Apidogo ◽  
Johannes Burdack ◽  
Wolfgang I. Schöllhorn
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Retention Test ◽  
Secondary School Students ◽  
Control Group ◽  
School Students ◽  
Learning Group ◽  
Differential Learning ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Repetitive Learning

A variety of approaches have been proposed for teaching several volleyball techniques to beginners, ranging from general ball familiarization to model-oriented repetition to highly variable learning. This study compared the effects of acquiring three volleyball techniques in parallel with three approaches. Female secondary school students (N = 42; 15.6 ± 0.54 years) participated in a pretest for three different volleyball techniques (underhand pass, overhand pass, and overhead serve) with an emphasis on accuracy. Based on their results, they were parallelized into three practice protocols, a repetitive learning group (RG), a differential learning group (DG), and a control group (CG). After a period of six weeks with 12 intervention sessions, all participants attended a posttest. An additional retention test after two weeks revealed a statistically significant difference between DG, RG, and CG for all single techniques as well as the combined multiple technique. In each technique—the overhand pass, the underhand pass, the overhand service, and the combination of the three techniques—DG performed best (each p < 0.001).

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