Optimizing Feedback Frequency in Motor Learning: Self-Controlled and Moderate Frequency KR Enhance Skill Acquisition.

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effects of self-controlled knowledge of results (SCKR) to other KR schedules of varying relative frequency (25%, 50%, and 100% of acquisition trials) on motor skill learning. Participants received basic instructions on the soccer overhead throw and then performed 50 acquisition trials, during which KR was provided according to the assigned schedule, followed by a retention test, during which no KR was provided. Retention scores were highest for the SCKR and 50% KR frequency groups who shared comparable absolute KR frequency and distribution relative to successful versus unsuccessful trials.

Prevalence of Movement Dysfunction in Female Collegiate Dancers.

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) is a screening instrument developed to identify basic movement dysfunctions that may increase musculoskeletal injury risk potential. To date there are no published normative values for the FMS™ in dancers; consequently, this study sought to establish those values in addition to identifying the prevalence and nature of movement dysfunction in collegiate dancers. The functional movement proficiency of 111 collegiate dancers was determined using the FMS™, which provides three variables of interest: 1.

Kinematic Effects of Varying Adolescents' Attentional Instructions for Standing Long Jump.

Studies examining attentional focus in the motor performance of children and young adolescents have produced mixed results. We studied 26 seventh-grade physical education student volunteers ( M = 12.7 years; SD = 0.

Improving Functional Movement Proficiency in Middle School Physical Education.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether functional movement proficiency could be improved as measured via the Functional Movement Screen using a standardized warm-up protocol in middle school physical education. A secondary purpose was to determine whether such improvement, if it occurred, would positively influence the technical performance of 4 fundamental motor skills: overhand throw, vertical jump, kicking, and running.

Method: Participants were 120 7th- and 8th-grade physical education student volunteers.

The biomechanical and perceptual influence of chain resistance on the performance of the olympic clean.

Proponents of chain training suggest that using chains hung from the ends of barbells rather than using conventional barbells alone enhances strength, power, and neuromuscular adaptations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a conventional barbell with chains compared to a conventional barbell without chains would affect the performance of an Olympic Clean. The subjects were also asked regarding their perception of how chains affected their lifting.

A preliminary investigation of the biomechanical and perceptual influence of chain resistance on the performance of the snatch.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of chains to a barbell during the performance of the snatch would invoke differences in execution compared with lifting a conventional barbell without chains. Additionally, subjects were asked whether they perceived that the addition of chains had effects on their performance, and, if so, what those effects were. Four male and 3 female competitive weightlifters who regularly used chains as part of their training programs participated in the study.

Influence of target location on coincident timing performance.

This study examined the influence of two stimulus-presentation methods on coincident timing performance. 50 participants performed a button press and striking task in coincidence with a target stimulus. Participants were randomly divided into either the Terminating Group, whose target light was the last in the series, or the Apparent Motion Group, whose target was not the final light in the series and allowed the apparent motion of the stimulus to continue.

Direction of an approaching stimulus on coincident timing performance of a ballistic striking task.

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of stimulus direction and velocity on the coincident timing performance of a ballistic striking task. 26 subjects randomly performed 20 trials at each of two stimulus velocities (4 and 8 mph) and two striking variations (moving with an approaching stimulus or in opposition to it). Analysis indicated the direction of an approaching stimulus does not appear to influence the coincident timing of a ballistic striking action.

Context and test-retest reliability of Kolb's Learning Style Inventory.

Two groups of students enrolled in a university physical activity course volunteered to complete Kolb's Learning Style Inventory at the beginning of and the end of a semester to estimate test-retest reliability. A control group (n = 129) completed the inventory in its original form while the experimental group (n = 124) completed the same test but with modified instructions providing a more specific focus. Test-retest reliability, assessed using a Pearson product-moment correlation, improved for the group given instructions which specified a contextual focus.

Bilateral symmetry in coincident timing: a preliminary investigation.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the coincident timing accuracy of the preferred and nonpreferred limbs in a ballistic striking task. A secondary purpose was to examine subjects' perception of their performance proficiency with each limb. 30 right-hand preferred subjects performed a 60-cm horizontal arm motion to displace a wooden barrier in coincidence with the final light in a series that traveled down a runway.