Lower Extremity Open Skill Training Effects on Perception of Visual Stimuli, Cognitive Processing, and Performance

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Neuroscience
• Motor Learning

Background:

• Open-skill training is increasingly used in rehabilitation and sports.
• Its effects on cognitive and perceptual abilities beyond motor skills are not fully understood.
• Investigating these broader impacts is crucial for optimizing training protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if lower extremity open-skill training influences cognitive and perceptual abilities, or solely task-specific motor functions.
• To assess the impact of computerized open-skill training on neurocognitive performance and motor learning.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two participants were randomized into a training group (computerized device) or a control group.
• A 4-week intervention period was followed by pre- and post-training assessments.
• Evaluations included motor performance tests (drop jump, hexagon test, postural control, choice reaction) and neurocognitive tests for perception, cognition, and inhibition.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in lower extremity choice reaction and hexagon test performance in the training group compared to the control.
• No significant differences were found in cognitive performance or perception between the groups.
• A detrimental effect was noted in task inhibition accuracy, with the training group showing a lower percentage of correct inhibitions.

Conclusions:

• Computerized open-skill training specifically enhances motor patterns without augmenting task-relevant cognitive or perceptual abilities.
• The observed decrease in task inhibition accuracy suggests potential negative implications for risk-taking behavior during reactive tasks.
• Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of these findings.