Constant-blocked practice: variation of parameters improves motor skill acquisition

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the combination of constant and variable practice when both, motor program and parameters on absolute and relative dimensions of a task, are manipulated. Method: Twenty undergraduate students, aged between 19 and 24 years, participated in this study. Two groups practiced the task of pressing four keys of a numeric keyboard with total and relative times specified under constant conditions in the first part of the acquisition phase and under block conditions in the second part when one group varied parameters and another varied motor programs. Results: Both groups improved parameters and motor program measures during the acquisition phase. In the retention test, the parameters variation resulted in higher accuracy on motor program measure than variation of motor programs. Conclusion: Both combinations improve parameters and motor program accuracy. Moreover, the maintenance of GMP during the variation phase contributes to strengthening it.

Práctica combinada y aprendizaje de estructura y parámetros del saque de voleibol en iniciación

“…The movement pattern analysis showed that constant-random practice improved the movement pattern, which was not observed under random practice. This result corroborates predictions that a constant practice schedule favors the movement pattern learning owing to response stability created during practice (Lai & Shea, 1998;Lage et al, 2007;Matos et al, 2017). Constant practice produces greater inter trials stability, which may strengthen the memory process concerning movement patterns.…”

“…Based on these results, Lai et al (2000) proposed that starting the practice with the constant practice followed by varied practice improved learning of movement pattern and parameterization of the skill, respectively. The findings about the order of practice were extended in other studies that investigate different varied practice (Lage et al, 2007) and variation of different aspects of the motor skill (Matos et al, 2017) and contextual interference studies diminished drastically (Barreiros, Figueiredo & Godinho, 2007). However, putting all the results together, the most repetitive practice (constant practice) improved spatiotemporal pattern of movement and later, the least repetitive practice (block or random varied practice) improved parameterization.…”

Efek Metode Pelatihan Blocked dan Random terhadap Peningkatan Teknik Dasar Bolavoli Pada Atlet Level Pemula

“…Hasil temuan dalam penelitian ini sejalan dan mendukung studi-studi sebelumnya mengenai pengaruh metode pelatihan blocked dan random yang secara positif dapat meningkatkan aspek psikomotorik atau yang berkaitan dengan keterampilan gerak pada suatu olahraga tertentu (Ali, Fawver, Kim, Fairbrother & Janelle, 2012;Zamani, Rajaeeian, Moradi, & Rostami, 2013;Pasand, Fooladiyanzadeh & Nazemzadegan, 2016;Jadeera, Cheong, Lay, Razman, 2016;Okilanda, Dlis, Humaid, Putra, 2020;Budi et al, 2020). Apabila suatu metode pelatihan dapat menyajikan berbagai macam pengalaman gerak, maka kemampuan gerak anak pun akan turut berkembang (Matos et al, 2017;Gill, Pu, Woo & Kim, 2018).…”