the effects of practice distribution upon the regional oscillatory activity in visuomotor learning实践的影响分布的区域振荡暗示其在视觉运动学习活动.pdf

Studer et al. Behavioral and Brain Functions 2010, 6:8 /content/6/1/8 RESEARCH Open Access The effects of practice distribution upon the regional oscillatory activity in visuomotor learning 1,2* 1 1,3 1 Bettina Studer , Susan Koeneke , Julia Blum , Lutz Jäncke Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a massed compared to a distributed practice upon visuomotor learning as well as upon the regional oscillatory activity in the sensorimotor cortex. Methods: A continuous visuomotor tracking task was used to assess visuomotor learning; the underlying neuronal correlates were measured by means of EEG. The massed practice group completed a continuous training of 60 minutes, while the distributed practice group completed four 15 minutes practice blocks separated by rest intervals. Results: While the massed and the distributed practice group did not differ in performance, effects of practice distribution were evident in the regional oscillatory activity. In the course of practice, the massed training group showed a higher task-related theta power and a strong task-related power decrease in the upper alpha frequency over the sensorimotor cortex compared to the distributed practice group. Conclusions: These differences in the regional oscillatory activity indicate a higher cognitive effort and higher attention demands in the massed practice group. The results of this study support the hypothesis, that a distributed practice is superior to a massed practice in visuomotor learning. Background practiced continuously, that is to say without any rest Motor skill learning is the process by which movements intervals; in d