Variable motor imagery training induces sleep memory consolidation and transfer improvements

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Motor Learning
• Sports Psychology

Background:

• Motor-skill acquisition benefits from varied practice orders, a phenomenon known as the practice pattern effect.
• The impact of practice patterns on motor imagery (MI) practice, particularly regarding consolidation, remains under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of constant versus variable motor imagery practice on skill acquisition, retention, and transfer.
• To examine the role of sleep and daytime consolidation intervals following motor imagery practice.

Main Methods:

• Participants underwent physical performance assessments before and after motor imagery training.
• Constant or variable motor imagery practice was employed, followed by either a daytime or overnight consolidation period.
• Transfer of learned skills to a novel visuomotor task was evaluated.

Main Results:

• All participants showed improved performance post-motor imagery training.
• Variable motor imagery practice led to significant performance gains after sleep consolidation and superior transfer to a new task.
• Constant motor imagery practice did not yield delayed performance improvements after either consolidation interval.

Conclusions:

• Findings partially support the practice pattern effect in motor imagery, suggesting variable practice is more beneficial for delayed gains and transfer.
• A notable difference between mental and physical practice concerning consolidation is highlighted.
• Variable motor imagery practice is recommended for practical applications in motor learning and rehabilitation.