title: Physical assistance devices in complex motor skill learning: benefits of a self-controlled practice schedule.
abstract: This study examines the effects of a self-controlled use of physical assistance devices on learning a complex motor skill (i.e., producing slalom-type movements on a ski simulator). Physical assistance was provided by ski poles. One group of learners (self-control) was provided with the poles whenever they requested them, whereas another (yoked) group had no influence on the pole/no-pole schedule. While there were no group differences during the practice phase (Days 1 and 2), clear group differences emerged in the retention test without poles (Day 3). The self-control group produced significantly larger amplitudes than the yoked group. These results extend previous findings by showing learning advantages of the self-controlled use of physical assistance devices in complex motor skill learning.
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Psychological Research. wulf@mpipf-muenchen.mpg.de
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wulf
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Toole
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D009048:Motor Skills; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D012656:Self-Help Devices; D012865:Skiing