Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2025
13:57
Assessing the Multiple Dimensions of Engagement to Characterize Learning: A Neurophysiological Perspective
Published on: July 1, 2015
12.6K
Event-related (de)synchronization and potential in whole vs. part sensorimotor learning
Juan J Mariman1,2,3, Trinidad Bruna-Melo2,4, Rosario Gutierrez-Rodriguez4
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience
|April 7, 2023
Summary
Whole versus part practice in sensorimotor skill learning impacts neural activity. Whole practice enhances automaticity and motor performance, suggesting more efficient neural control.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Learning
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Sensorimotor skill acquisition can be approached through various learning strategies.
- This study investigates whole versus part learning in a complex video game requiring sensorimotor adaptation.
- The research compares changes in neural activity, specifically event-related potentials (ERPs) and alpha/beta event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD(S)) of EEG, between these two practice protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare neural changes (ERP and ERD(S)) in EEG between whole and part practice methods for sensorimotor skill learning.
- To investigate how different practice protocols affect the neural correlates of kinematic and dynamic control during skill acquisition.
- To determine if whole practice leads to more automatic sensorimotor control compared to part practice.
Main Methods:
- 18 healthy young adults participated in a 5-day video game training protocol.
- Participants were assigned to either a part learning group (modular skill components) or a whole practice group (combined skills).
- EEG data, including ERPs and ERD(S), were analyzed during baseline and retention tests, focusing on kinematic (advancing) and dynamic (shooting) task epochs.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed decreased ERP timing and increased beta ERD in central/posterior channels during kinematic tasks.
- The whole practice group exhibited decreased ERP timing in anterior/central-posterior channels during dynamic tasks.
- The part practice group showed decreased beta event-related synchronization (ERS) in central channels during shooting epochs.
Conclusions:
- Neural correlates of kinematic and dynamic control (ERP and ERD(S)) are modulated by sensorimotor learning.
- The type of practice protocol influences the execution and evaluation of sensorimotor actions.
- Whole practice appears to promote more automatic sensorimotor control, as evidenced by improved motor performance in retention tests.
