Author:

Keywords:

motor learning, interlimb coordination, augmented feedback, transfer, specificity of learning, nonequilibrium phase-transitions, skill acquisition, limb movements, knowledge, patterns, information, dynamics, proprioception, frequency, model, Science & Technology, Social Sciences, Life Sciences & Biomedicine, Neurosciences, Psychology, Psychology, Experimental, Sport Sciences, Neurosciences & Neurology, NONEQUILIBRIUM PHASE-TRANSITIONS, SKILL ACQUISITION, LIMB MOVEMENTS, KNOWLEDGE, PATTERNS, INFORMATION, DYNAMICS, PROPRIOCEPTION, FREQUENCY, MODEL, 09 Engineering, 11 Medical and Health Sciences, 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, Experimental Psychology, 4201 Allied health and rehabilitation science, 4207 Sports science and exercise

Abstract:

The role of intrinsic and extrinsic information feedback in learning a new bimanual coordination pattern was investigated. The pattern required continuous flexion-extension movements of the upper limbs with a 90 degrees phase offset. Separate groups practiced the task under one of the following visual feedback conditions: (a) blindfolded (reduced FB group), (b) with normal vision (normal FB group), or (c) with concurrent relative motion information (enhanced FB group). All groups were subjected to three different transfer test conditions at regular intervals during practice. These tests included reduced, normal vision, and enhanced vision conditions. Experiment 1 showed that the group receiving augmented information feedback about its relative motions in real-time produced the required coordination pattern more successfully than the remaining two groups, irrespective of the transfer conditions under which performance was evaluated. Experiment 2 replicated and extended the superiority of the enhanced feedback group during acquisition and retention. Experiment 3 demonstrated that successful transfer to various transfer test conditions was not a result of test-trial effects. Overall, the data suggest that the conditions that optimized performance of the coordination pattern during acquisition also optimized transfer performance. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.