Aging and effect of physical-mental practice upon acquisition and retention of a motor skill

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of physical-mental practice upon two age groups (65-79 and 80-100) in the acquisition and retention of a motor skill. The subjects (140) were randomly assigned to one of the following conditions: physical practice, one-half physical practice, physical-mental practice, or a control group engaging in no practice. Eight trials of 15 sec. each on a pursuit rotor were administered prior to and imme-iately following the practice conditions and 8 weeks later. Analyses of data indicated that for both age groups physical-mental practice was as effective as any other type of physical practice.