Constant-blocked practice: variation of parameters improves motor skill acquisition

Abstract AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the combination of constant and variable practice when both, motor program and parameters on absolute and relative dimensions of a task, are manipulated. METHOD Twenty undergraduate students, aged between 19 and 24 years, participated in this study. Two groups practiced the task of pressing four keys of a numeric keyboard with total and relative times specified under constant conditions in the first part of the acquisition phase and under block conditions in the second part when one group varied parameters and another varied motor programs. RESULTS Both groups improved parameters and motor program measures during the acquisition phase. In the retention test, the parameters variation resulted in higher accuracy on motor program measure that the variation of motor programs. CONCLUSION Both combinations improve parameters and motor program accuracy. Moreover, the maintenance of GMP during the variation phase contributes to strengthening it.摘要 研究目的 本研究旨在探究：当同时操控某任务的绝对维度与相对维度对应的运动程序（motor program）及其参数时，恒定练习与可变练习相结合所产生的效应。 研究方法 本研究共招募20名年龄介于19至24岁的本科生参与实验。两组受试者在练习阶段的第一部分，于恒定条件下完成指定总时长与相对时长的数字键盘四按键按压任务；练习阶段第二部分采用组块条件开展练习，其中一组操控运动参数变量，另一组操控运动程序变量。 研究结果 两组受试者在练习阶段均实现了运动参数与运动程序测量指标的优化。在保持测试中，参数变量组在运动程序测量指标上的准确率高于运动程序变量组。 结论 两种练习组合均能提升运动参数与运动程序的准确率。此外，在变量练习阶段保留通用运动程序（Generalized Motor Program, GMP）有助于强化该程序。