Learning and interlimb transfer of new gait patterns are facilitated by distributed practice across days.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Previous studies have shown that the extent to which learning with one limb transfers to the opposite, untrained limb (i.e., interlimb transfer) is proportional to the amount of prior learning (or skill acquisition) that has occurred in the training limb. Thus, it is likely that distributed practice-a training strategy that is known to facilitate learning-will result in greater interlimb transfer than massed practice. RESEARCH QUESTION:To evaluate the effects of massed and distributed practice on acquisition and interlimb transfer of leg motor skills during walking. METHODS:Forty-five subjects learned a new gait pattern that required greater hip and knee flexion during the swing phase of gait. The new gait pattern was displayed as a foot trajectory in the sagittal plane and participants attempted to match their foot trajectory to this template. Subjects in the massed practice group (n?=?20) learned the task on a single day, whereas subjects in the distributed practice group (n?=?25) learned the task that was spaced over two consecutive days (training phase). Following completion of training, subjects in both groups practiced the task with their untrained, opposite leg to evaluate interlimb transfer (transfer phase). RESULTS:Results indicated that the amount of skill acquisition (i.e., reductions in tracking error) on the training leg was significantly higher (P?

SUBMITTER: Krishnan C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6474794 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature