MedPath

Effects of Feedback on Learning of a Motor Sequence Task

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Adult
Interventions
Behavioral: Motor Sequence Task
Registration Number
NCT04270448
Lead Sponsor
University of South Carolina
Brief Summary

Feedback delivered during motor practice can help promote motor skill learning and promote confidence. However, the optimal way to provide feedback to promote learning and confidence is unknown. This project will study how the feedback that is provided during practice of a movement skill can help people learn and build confidence. The investigators will measure motor skill performance and confidence before and after a session of motor practice.

Detailed Description

Feedback may be a useful tool to optimize motor learning during practice. For example, feedback during practice that indicates the learner is performing above average (i.e. positive social comparative feedback) enhances motor skill learning and self-efficacy in healthy adults. While this type of feedback is hypothesized to promote learning in some tasks, no studies have examined whether positive social comparative feedback during practice promotes motor learning in a traditional motor sequence task. Therefore, the aim of the proposed project is to investigate the effect of positive social comparative feedback on the learning of a joystick-based motor sequence task in healthy adults. The study aims to recruit 60 participants who will be randomized into 1 of 3 feedback groups (control group, performance feedback, and performance plus positive feedback). Participants will practice a motor sequence task on a single day and then return for retention performance testing about 24 hours later. Changes in performance (response time to complete a sequence) and self-efficacy will be measured from baseline to 24 hours later at retention.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
54
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age 18 to 40 years
  • Right-hand dominant
Exclusion Criteria
  • Medical diagnosis or medication that affects dopamine (e.g. dopamine reuptake inhibitors)
  • musculoskeletal issues that limit upper extremity movement

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Performance FeedbackMotor Sequence TaskPractice of a joystick based motor sequence task. Participants receive feedback on their response time to complete the trials in the practice block.
ControlMotor Sequence TaskPractice of a joystick based motor sequence task. Participants receive feedback that they have completed the practice trials in that block of practice.
Performance plus Positive FeedbackMotor Sequence TaskPractice of a joystick based motor sequence task. Participants receive feedback on their response time to complete the trials in the practice block plus positive social comparative feedback.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Task ConfidenceChange from baseline to retention at 24 hours

Self-reported confidence in ability to complete a sequence in a given time on a scale of 0 to 10 with a 10 equating to higher confidence

Response TimeChange from baseline to retention at 24 hours

Time to complete one sequence

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Peak VelocityChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Average speed to capture a target within a sequence

Total Path DistanceChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Total distance traveled to complete one sequence

Perceived CompetenceChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Mean score on the Perceived Competence subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory where each item ranges from 0 to 7 with a higher value equating to higher competence

Positive AffectChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Total score for general positive affect on the Positive and Negative Affect Scale with a range from 10 to 50 with higher scores equating to higher positive affect

Task ConfidenceChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Self-reported confidence in ability to complete a sequence in a given time on a scale of 0 to 10 with a 10 equating to higher confidence

Response TimeChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Time to complete one sequence

Perceived Interest/EnjoymentChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Mean score on the Interest/Enjoyment subscale of the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory where each item ranges from 0 to 7 with a higher value equating to higher enjoyment

Time to Peak VelocityChange from baseline to immediately after practice

Mean time to peak velocity for movement to a target within a sequence

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of South Carolina

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

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