Self-Controlled Practice to Achieve Neuro-Cognitive Engagement: Underlying Brain Processes to Enhance Cognitive-Motor Learning and Performance. Issue 5 (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jaquess, Kyle J.; Lu, Yingzhi; Iso-Ahola, Seppo E.; Zhang, Jing; Gentili, Rodolphe J.; Hatfield, Bradley D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of motor behavior. Volume 52:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 544
• Page End: 557
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: Alpha -- coherence EEG -- theta; Human mechanics -- Periodicals; Movement, Psychology of -- Periodicals; Motor Activity -- Periodicals; Motor Skills -- Periodicals; Bewegingsleer; Mécanique humaine -- Périodiques; Psychomotricité -- Périodiques; 612.705
• DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2019.1651245
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2895

Abstract

Abstract: While self-controlled practice has been shown to be an effective practice methodology, the neuro-cognitive correlates of its effectiveness are unclear. We investigated whether learners participating in self-controlled practice exhibit increased neuro-cognitive engagement compared to externally controlled practice. Two groups (self-controlled and yoked) of 16 participants practiced and performed a golf putting task over 3 days. Working memory engagement, central executive activity, and cortical activation were assessed via electroencephalography as indicators of neuro-cognitive engagement. The self-controlled group exhibited more consistent working memory engagement, and greater central executive activity, compared to the yoked group during practice. Relationships were also observed between neuro-cognitive engagement during self-controlled practice and performance improvement, indicating that self-controlled practice uniquely benefitted from increased neuro-cognitive engagement.