Physical-guidance benefits in learning a complex motor skill

The effects of physical guidance on learning to perform slalom-type movements on a ski-simulator were examined in 22 participants (18 in Experiment 1, 4 in Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, 1 group of participants practiced the task with ski-poles whereas another group practiced without poles. Retention tests without poles were performed at the end of each of the 2 practice days and 1 day later. Although the use of poles produced more effective performance in terms of movement amplitude during practice, both conditions led to similar amplitudes in immediate and delayed retention. With regard to the efficiency of the movement pattern, the pole group demonstrated a more efficient coordination pattern than the no-pole group did, not only during practice but also in immediate (Day 2) and delayed retention. In Experiment 2, how the poles functioned to enhance the learning of a more efficient movement pattern was examined more closely. The results suggest that physical guidance can have beneficial effects not only on performance during practice but also-under certain conditions-on the learning of motor skills.