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Creating a memory-based automated system for skillful performance through cognitive, neurophysiological, and
Narges Abdoli1, Alireza Saberi Kakhki1
1Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM), Mashhad, Iran.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise
|July 4, 2025
Summary
Experienced golfers exhibit more complex cognitive structures and enhanced neurophysiology, leading to superior motor performance. This suggests a memory-based automated motor control system underlies skilled behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Motor Learning
Background:
- Skilled and automated behaviors are fundamental to human function but their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing motor learning and performance across various domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive structures, neurophysiological activity (alpha power and connectivity), and motor performance in golfers with varying experience levels.
- To elucidate the neural and cognitive underpinnings of skilled and automated motor behavior.
Main Methods:
- Cognitive structures were analyzed using SDA-M software.
- Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure alpha power and neural connectivity.
- Motor performance was assessed using accuracy (Mean Radial Error) and consistency (Bivariate Variable Error) metrics.
Main Results:
- Experienced golfers demonstrated significantly more complex cognitive structures compared to less experienced golfers.
- Higher alpha power and connectivity were observed in experienced golfers across frontal, central, and parietal regions (p < .001).
- Experienced golfers committed significantly fewer motor performance errors (p < .001).
Conclusions:
- Cognitive, neurophysiological, and behavioral adaptations during motor learning contribute to an automated motor control system.
- This study provides an integrated framework for understanding the development of skilled and automated behaviors.
- The findings highlight the interplay between cognitive complexity, neural efficiency, and motor execution in expertise.
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