Synergy Repetition Training versus Task Repetition Training in Acquiring New Skill

Abstract

Traditionally, repetitive practice of a task is used to learn a new skill, exhibiting as immediately improved performance. Research suggests, however, that a more experience-based rather than exposure-based training protocol may allow for better transference of the skill to related tasks. In synergy-based motor control theory, fundamental motor skills, such as hand grasping, are represented with a synergy subspace that captures essential motor patterns. In this study, we propose that motor-skill learning through synergy-based mechanisms may provide advantages over traditional task repetition learning. A new task was designed to highlight the range of motion and dexterity of the human hand. Two separate training strategies were tested in healthy subjects: task repetition training and synergy training versus a control. All three groups showed improvements when retested on the same task. When tested on a similar, but different set of tasks, only the synergy group showed improvements in accuracy (9.27% increase) compared to the repetition (3.24% decline) and control (3.22% decline) groups. A kinematic analysis revealed that although joint angular peak velocities decreased, timing benefits stemmed from the initial feed-forward portion of the task (reaction time). Accuracy improvements may have derived from general improved coordination among the four involved fingers. These preliminary results warrant further investigation of synergy-based motor training in healthy individuals, as well as in individuals undergoing hand-based rehabilitative therapy.

The Effects of Different Types of Dual Tasking on Balance in Healthy Older Adults

“…The promoting training incorporating neuroplasticity principles, must be considered so that the performance capacity to perform dual tasks can be improved [ 25 ]. Using frequent and varied repetitions of different specific exercises is necessary for improving or maintaining performance [ 26 , 27 ].…”

Postural Synergy-Based Exoskeleton Reproducing Natural Human Movements to Improve Upper Limb Motor Control after Stroke

“…Since postural synergies of upper limb self-reaching movements were embedded in this exoskeleton's structure, the motions generated by the exoskeleton were in line with the natural movement characteristics of the human upper limb. Recent studies [42,43] have shown that postural synergy can improve the efficiency of motor learning for healthy volunteers. To our knowledge, this is the first time a postural synergy based rehabilitation exoskeleton robot has been introduced into rehabilitation training for stroke patients [40,41].…”

“…Some recent studies have shown that postural synergies can improve the efficiency of motor learning in healthy people [41][42][43] and that these synergies show great potential in the field of rehabilitation. To the authors' knowledge, currently, no synergy-based rehabilitation exoskeletons are used in clinical practice.…”

Preliminary Assessment of a Postural Synergy-Based Exoskeleton for Post-Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation

“…Hassan et al [45] achieved postural synergy at the control level for gait reconstruction of the lower limb exoskeleton. Some recent studies have shown that postural synergies can improve the efficiency of motor learning in healthy people [46,47]. Although the design based on postural synergy may limit the overall capacity of the device and cause constraints, by limiting the reproduced tasks to ADL tasks and improving the design of the structure or controller, the human natural motion characteristics can be reproduced to the greatest extent, furthermore, since most stroke survivors exhibit pathological synergies, postural synergy-based rehabilitation robots may help overcome pathological synergies or compensatory motion, allowing patients to relearn normal characteristics of natural human movements [44].…”