title: Repetition and variation in motor practice: A review of neural correlates.
abstract: Random practice results in more effective motor learning than either constant or blocked practice. Recent studies have investigated the effects of practice schedules at the neurophysiological level. This study aims to conduct a literature review of the following issues: (a) the differential involvement of premotor areas, the primary motor cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the posterior parietal cortex in different types of practice; (b) changes in the participation of these areas throughout practice; and (c) the degree of support that current neurophysiological findings offer to strengthen the behavioral proposition that distinct cognitive processes are generated by different practice schedules. Data from 10 studies that investigated associations between practice structures and neurobiological substrates were analyzed. The participation of the indicated areas was found to depend on practice structure and varied during the learning process. Greater cognitive engagement was associated with random practice. In conclusion, distinct neural processes are engendered by different practice conditions. The integration of behavioral and neurophysiological findings promotes a more comprehensive view of the phenomenon.
authors: School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Carlos Luz, 6627 Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Electronic address: menezeslage@gmail.com.
authors: Guilherme M
authors: GM
authors: Lage
authors: School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Carlos Luz, 6627 Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors: Herbert
authors: H
authors: Ugrinowitsch
authors: School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Carlos Luz, 6627 Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors: Tércio
authors: T
authors: Apolinário-Souza
authors: School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Carlos Luz, 6627 Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors: Márcio Mário
authors: MM
authors: Vieira
authors: School of Physical Education, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n°, Campus Universitário, Viçosa, Brazil.
authors: Maicon R
authors: MR
authors: Albuquerque
authors: School of Physical Education, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Carlos Luz, 6627 Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
authors: Rodolfo Novellino
authors: RN
authors: Benda
mesh_terms: D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011214:Practice, Psychological
keywords: Blocked practice; Constant practice; Contextual interference effect; Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex; Interleaved practice; Motor learning; Parietal cortex; Practice schedule; Premotor cortex; Primary motor cortex; Random practice; Supplementary motor area; Transcranial magnetic stimulation; Variability of practice; fMRI