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 s

SUBMITTER: Krishnan C 

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

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature