The effect of context variability on motor learning

Abstract

Although the practice schedule and variation in incidental context have been investigated together, it is not clear whether just variation in incidental context can beneficiate motor learning. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of context variability on motor learning. We hypothesized the practice in a variable incidental context would enable learners to be more resistant to the effects of the contextual changes when compared to a constant incidental context practice. Twenty-four participants were assigned to one of the two groups: constant incidental context (G_CC) or variable incidental context (G_VC). During practice, the G_CC practiced a sequence keypressing task in one color and a position showed on the computer screen. The G_VC practiced the same sequence in four different combinations of color and position. Twenty four hours, the same contexts practiced on practice (SAME) was performed and immediately after, a new sequential movement in new color and new position (SWITCH) was performed. The results indicated that the G_VC showed better performance than the G_CC on the SWITCH condition, mainly in measures related to planning/selection process. The results were explained by degree of similarity among processing events engaged during different moments and by development of a filter of information based on attentional selection.

Keywords: Context-dependent; Memory; Variability.