Analogy Learning to Maintain Motor Performance Stability and Its Cognitive Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review

Analogy learning refers to integrating the overall knowledge and rules of the motor skills to be learned into a more easily understandable biomechanical metaphor. The use of analogy learning in the process of acquiring motor skills enables learners to maintain the stability of their motor performance under stress or dual-task situations. However, the effectiveness of this learning method is also affected by factors such as the number of instructions, the learners' sports levels, and cognitive factors. Research on the cognitive mechanisms of analogy learning is limited and lacks a systematic theory. This review comprehensively analyzes research findings on the stability of motor performance in different contexts (e.g., stressful or dual-task situations) using analogy learning. It summarizes possible theoretical explanations for the influence of analogy learning on the stability of motor performance. Future research needs to delve deeper into the quality, ecological validity, and compilation of instructions as well as possible theoretical models for the cognitive mechanisms of analogy learning.