title: Skill transfer specificity shapes perception and action under varying environmental constraints.
abstract: Using an ecological dynamics framework, this study investigated the generality and specificity of skill transfer processes in organisation of perception and action using climbing as a task vehicle. Fluency of hip trajectory and orientation was assessed using normalized jerk coefficients exhibited by participants as they adapted perception and action under varying environmental constraints. Twelve recreational climbers were divided into two groups: one completing a 10-m high route on an indoor climbing wall; a second undertaking a 10-m high route on an icefall in a top-rope condition. We maintained the same level of difficulty between these two performance environments. An inertial measurement unit was attached each climber's hips to collect 3D acceleration and 3D orientation data to compute jerk coefficient values. Video footage was used to record the ratio of exploratory/performatory movements. Results showed higher jerk coefficient values and number of exploratory movements for performance on the icefall route, perhaps due to greater functional complexity in perception and action required when climbing icefalls, which involves use of specific tools for anchorage. Findings demonstrated how individuals solve different motor problems, exploiting positive general transfer processes enabling participants to explore the pick-up of information for the perception of affordances specific to icefall climbing.
authors.affiliation: CETAPS - EA 3832, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Rouen, France. Electronic address: ludovic.seifert@univ-rouen.fr.
authors.forename: Ludovic
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Seifert
authors.affiliation: CETAPS - EA 3832, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Rouen, France.
authors.forename: Léo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wattebled
authors.affiliation: CETAPS - EA 3832, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Rouen, France; School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Orth
authors.affiliation: CETAPS - EA 3832, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Rouen, France.
authors.forename: Maxime
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: L'Hermette
authors.affiliation: CETAPS - EA 3832, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Rouen, France; University of Lille 1, CRISTAL, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France.
authors.forename: Jérémie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boulanger
authors.affiliation: Centre for Sports Engineering Research, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Davids
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000465:Algorithms; D004777:Environment; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009051:Mountaineering / Q000502:physiology; D009949:Orientation / Q000502:physiology; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D053001:Tool Use Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D014163:Transfer, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007053:Ice
keywords: Affordances; Ecological dynamics; Perception and action; Tool use; Transfer