The role of intertask and intratask processing in acquisition and retention of motor skills

This study examined the role of intratask and intertask processing on retention of three motor skills acquired in a practice condition invoking low contextual interference. Forty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions. All conditions experienced blocked practice, which was supplemented with either intertask processing, additional intratask processing, or no additional processing. Acquisition consisted of 18 trials on each of three barrier knock-down tasks. Retention performance was assessed after a 10-min filled retention interval. Results indicated that providing the opportunity to engage in intertask processing not afforded by the acquisition practice schedule enhanced access, implementation, and memorability of movement action plans. In contrast, whereas supplemental intratask processing did not appear to interfere with acquisition performance achieved when experiencing blocked practice, it did little to enhance subsequent retention performance.