Journal Of Motor Behavior[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Mental Chronometry: Do Imagined Times Merely Relate to Task Duration?
Roberts JW, Owen R, Wakefield CJ
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40622302 · Publisher ↗
Prolonged movement time as a function of task difficulty (as defined by the Index of Difficulty [ID]) can be equally prevalent within executed and imagined movements ─ something referred to as the . This effect has been...
Prolonged movement time as a function of task difficulty (as defined by the Index of Difficulty [ID]) can be equally prevalent within executed and imagined movements ─ something referred to as the . This effect has been leveraged as support for , where an internal representation can be shared for execution and imagery. However, times tend to rise exponentially more for imagined, compared to executed, movements, which could be attributed to the time spent within a task. Fifteen participants attempted execution and imagery of a reciprocal aiming movement between two targets that assumed different levels of ID (4, 5, 6 bits). They did this either over 3 or 5 cycles of movement to generate short- and long-duration movements, respectively. Mean times and time-ID slope/gradient coefficients revealed that the time within imagery was generally no longer than execution. However, the rise in time as a function of ID tended to be even greater when undertaking 3 compared to 5 cycles within imagery, but not execution. Overall, these findings may counter the suggestion that time spent within imagery is positively related to duration. However, further research is perhaps warranted to help formulate broader recommendations for imagery across different durations.
Visual Biofeedback and Postural Control: Exploring Potential Implicit Visual Integration.
Michaud L, Desjardins D, Perreault A … +4 more , Mayer AS, Sauvé MO, Desjardins R, Lajoie Y
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40600590 · Publisher ↗
Real-time visual biofeedback (vBF) of body sway is known to enhance postural control by reducing center of pressure (COP) displacement. However, the mechanisms underlying its influence remain unclear, particularly regard...
Real-time visual biofeedback (vBF) of body sway is known to enhance postural control by reducing center of pressure (COP) displacement. However, the mechanisms underlying its influence remain unclear, particularly regarding implicit processing. The objective of this study was to examine whether vBF is utilized implicitly by exposing 40 young adults to both real-time (accurate) and erroneous (delayed) COP feedback without explicitly explaining its purpose. Participants were simply instructed to stand as still as possible. After the experiment, 15 out of 40 participants spontaneously recognized the feedback's nature. Results indicated that both aware and unaware participants exhibited improved postural control under accurate vBF (i.e., reduced COP variability, smaller COP area, increased COP irregularity, and greater reliance on higher sway frequencies). In contrast, erroneous vBF induced minimal changes. While these findings highlight a possible implicit integration of the visual feedback, the results also underscore the need for future research to investigate this phenomenon with more refined methods, as classifying participants into aware and unaware groups presents certain challenges.
Pilates and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Stability, Balance, and Depression in Patients with Stroke.
Lee H, Yim J
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40590375 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining Pilates and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on core stability, balance, and depression in stroke patients. Forty subjects were randomly divided into...
This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining Pilates and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on core stability, balance, and depression in stroke patients. Forty subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group ( = 20) and a control group ( = 20). The experimental group received 20 min of tDCS followed by 30 min of Pilates exercises, while the control group underwent sham tDCS with the same Pilates regimen. Both groups followed the intervention schedule twice a week for 4 weeks. Core stability, static balance, and dynamic balance were assessed using the pressure biofeedback stabilizer (PBS), functional reach test (FRT), and timed up and go (TUG) test. Depression levels were evaluated using the short form geriatric depression scale-Korean version (SGDS-K). Both groups showed significant improvements in core stability, balance, and depression ( < 0.001) after the intervention, but the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater gains compared to the control group ( < 0.05). The results suggest that the combined treatment of Pilates and tDCS offers superior benefits over Pilates alone in improving physical and emotional outcomes in stroke patients. Incorporating tDCS into rehabilitation programs could enhance recovery and quality of life for stroke survivors.
Oral-Motor Complexity Influences Center of Pressure Patterns in Adults with Stroke-Related Communication Disorders.
Pressler D, Hamilton Dugan S, De Silva A … +2 more , Riley MA, Schwab-Farrell SM
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40586554 · Publisher ↗
People with stroke (PwS) often exhibit altered postural control, and concomitant stroke-related communication disorders (e.g., aphasia, dysarthria) may be an underrecognized risk factor for post-stroke falls. This height...
People with stroke (PwS) often exhibit altered postural control, and concomitant stroke-related communication disorders (e.g., aphasia, dysarthria) may be an underrecognized risk factor for post-stroke falls. This heightened fall risk may be related to alterations in postural control that emerge during different speaking and listening conditions. This study evaluated how variations in the relative articulatory demands during speech production-termed "oral-motor complexity"-affect postural center of pressure (COP) patterns among PwS, both with communication disorders (PwS-CDis) and without (PwS). Three groups of adults (PwS, PwS-CDis, and a nondisabled Control group) stood on a force platform while completing four 30-second quiet stance trials, followed by twelve 30-second trials randomized across three experimental conditions of varying oral-motor complexities ("ba", "puh tuh kuh", "rah shah lah nah"). COP variability (SD) was significantly higher during experimental conditions compared to quiet stance, regardless of group and movement plane. Differences in nonlinear time-dependent metrics were found across oral-motor task conditions, particularly among PwS-CDis, suggesting oral-motor complexity may influence underlying postural-motor organization. Distinct temporal-dynamical patterns observed in PwS-CDis indicate a possible link between pathology, postural control, and speech motor tasks, which is relevant when evaluating postural control in individuals with stroke-related communication disorders.
Environmental Influence on Cognitive-Motor Interaction During Wheelchair Propulsion.
Frechette ML, Sosnoff JJ, Hernandez ME … +1 more , Rice LA
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40576486 · Publisher ↗
To determine the influence of environmental complexity on cognitive-motor interaction during wheelchair propulsion. Fourteen participants completed two single- to dual-task trials of Serial-7 Subtraction Task and four en...
To determine the influence of environmental complexity on cognitive-motor interaction during wheelchair propulsion. Fourteen participants completed two single- to dual-task trials of Serial-7 Subtraction Task and four environments varying in complexity. Differences in cognitive and motor function were determined through paired samples -tests and percent changes (dual-task costs [DTCs]) were calculated. Within-subjects, repeated-measures ANOVAs were performed to determine differences in DTCs across environments. Cognitive function was maintained from the single- to dual-task trial in all environments ( ≥ 0.16) and yielded similar DTCs across environments ( = 0.80). Compromised motor function was observed in all environments ( ≤ 0.03) and yielded similar DTCs across environments ( ≥ 0.37). Wheelchair propulsion is attentionally demanding; however, environmental complexity did not exacerbate cognitive or motor dual-task costs.
Challenge Accepted: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Applications of the Challenge Point Framework.
Thomas A, Paul L, Rasenyalo S … +2 more , Jones B, Hendricks S
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40568842 · Publisher ↗
The Challenge Point Framework (CPF) guides practice design for optimal motor skill learning. The CPF's use and prevalence has not been reported. This review's aims are to - (i) identify research areas that use the CPF, (...
The Challenge Point Framework (CPF) guides practice design for optimal motor skill learning. The CPF's use and prevalence has not been reported. This review's aims are to - (i) identify research areas that use the CPF, (ii) determine the CPF's prevalence across research areas and (iii) summarise applications of the CPF across research areas. A systematic scoping review, following modified PRISMA-ScR guidelines, was conducted. Papers referencing Guadagnoli and Lee's (2004) "Challenge Point Framework" paper were reviewed against inclusion/exclusion criteria. Data from 100 included papers were analysed for (1) numerical; (2) thematic; and (3) descriptive summaries. Four themes were identified and common CPF applications were identified within each theme. CPF use has been viewed favourably whilst its limitations have been acknowledged (e.g., lack of practical application research).
Influences of VR-Based Optokinetic Stimulation on Head and Trunk Instability on a Sinusoidal Moving Platform.
Igarashi T, Hayashi S, Hirano S
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40566729 · Publisher ↗
Optokinetic stimulation (OKS) induces visual-vestibular conflict, influencing postural stability. Virtual reality (VR)-based OKS provides an immersive alternative to conventional screen-based OKS, potentially enhancing v...
Optokinetic stimulation (OKS) induces visual-vestibular conflict, influencing postural stability. Virtual reality (VR)-based OKS provides an immersive alternative to conventional screen-based OKS, potentially enhancing vestibular rehabilitation. This study investigated the effects of VR-based OKS on head and trunk instability while standing on a continuous sinusoidal moving platform. Sixteen healthy adult males participated. Six experimental conditions combined three visual conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, VR-based OKS) with two platform frequencies (0.5 Hz, 1.0 Hz). Head and trunk accelerations were recorded using inertial measurement units, and root mean square values were analyzed. Cross-correlation between head and trunk sway was assessed. VR-based OKS induced significantly greater lateral trunk sway compared to the eyes-open condition ( = 0.003). Cross-correlation analysis showed a significant association between lateral head and trunk sway under OKS, with a moderate correlation at 0.5 Hz ( = 0.540, < 0.05) and a strong correlation at 1.0 Hz ( = 0.793, < 0.01). VR-based OKS dynamically alters sensory reweighting, inducing synchronized head-trunk movements. These findings highlight the potential use of VR-based OKS in vestibular rehabilitation and underscore the importance of adjusting stimulus intensity to suit individual needs. Further research should explore long-term adaptation effects.
Combined Imagery/Physical Practice Yields Comparable Benefits to Physical Practice in Snare Drum Performance.
Loria T, Fraga A, Roth T … +5 more , Ardelli E, Cervini E, Fraser N, Huang A, Thaut MH
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40552526 · Publisher ↗
This study explored the effectiveness of combining motor imagery with physical practice in enhancing snare drum performance among trained percussionists. Motor imagery has promoted learning in related contexts such as sp...
This study explored the effectiveness of combining motor imagery with physical practice in enhancing snare drum performance among trained percussionists. Motor imagery has promoted learning in related contexts such as sport but has yet to be applied in music training. Twenty-eight percussion majors were assigned to either a physical practice group or a combined imagery/physical practice group. Participants performed a novel snare drum excerpt while motion capture measured upper-limb movements prior to and following training. Temporal errors were also computed by comparing note onsets to the ideal timing specified by a metronome. Results revealed that temporal errors were lower in post- vs. pre-training performances, irrespective of group. In both groups, post-test performances were characterized by a higher average position of the mallets above the playing surface and greater hand velocity vs. pre-training performances. Notably, the combined imagery/physical practice group reported less perceived effort associated with training which coincided with an increase in training adherence likelihood. These findings highlight the potential of integrating motor imagery into music education to optimize practice efficiency, particularly when time constraints limit physical rehearsal opportunities.
Motor Dual-Task Deficits and Their Associations with Executive Function in Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments.
Seavey CV, Walters BH
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40497469 · Publisher ↗
Age-related manual dexterity impairments may critically depend on cognitive impairments. This study examined associations between task demands, cognitive function and dexterity impairments in older adults. A total of 42...
Age-related manual dexterity impairments may critically depend on cognitive impairments. This study examined associations between task demands, cognitive function and dexterity impairments in older adults. A total of 42 participants, 21 young (age 19-39; 12 female, 9 male) and 21 older (age 65-88; 12 female and 9 males) adults performed the Grooved Pegboard test under single-task, dual task (visuospatial and nonspatial tasks) and bilateral (finger-tapping test) conditions. Cognitive and executive function were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Trail Making Test (TMT). Older adults showed uniform declines in Grooved Pegboard performance across secondary tasks compared to young adults. Older adults with cognitive deficits (MoCA < 26) took 34% longer to complete the Grooved Pegboard during the nonspatial task compared to healthy older adults. The bilateral task revealed Grooved Pegboard and finger tapping impairments in older adults, particularly those with cognitive deficits, relative to young adults. Significant correlations between increased TMT B completion time and decreased Grooved Pegboard ( = 0.732) and finger-tapping ( = -0.663) performance highlights a relationship between executive function and dexterity impairments in older adults with cognitive deficits. Results suggest the role of cognitive impairments in motor function and the use of task-specific motor assessments.
Force Perception Across Dominant and Non-Dominant Hands in Healthy Individuals: A Gender-Based Analysis.
Yigit S, Ergen Hİ
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40489057 · Publisher ↗
Force perception (FP) is a sub-modality of proprioception, influenced by muscle mechanoreceptors. In studies on proprioception, joint position sense and kinesthesia are typically the primary focus, while research on FP r...
Force perception (FP) is a sub-modality of proprioception, influenced by muscle mechanoreceptors. In studies on proprioception, joint position sense and kinesthesia are typically the primary focus, while research on FP remains comparatively limited. This study aimed to examine the effects of gender and maximal grip strength (MGS) on FP. To determine MGS, the participants first squeezed the dynamometer with the dominant hand, followed by non-dominant hand. FP was tested at 25% and 50% of the MGS. The participants were taught these target values using visual feedback displayed on a screen. Then, they were instructed to reproduce the learned grip force without visual input. The difference between the target value and the achieved value was noted as the Absolute Error (AE). A significant difference was observed between males and females in the AE at 25% of MGS. MGS was correlated with FP. Increased grip strength was correlated with greater errors in force reproduction. Overall, gender and hand dominance did not appear to have a significant effect on FP (except for the 25% AE). A clearer understanding of the effects of gender and MGS on FP could help healthcare professionals in preventive and rehabilitative fields better address these deficits.
Quantification of Goal-Directed Stepping Behavior Under Two Limb Choice Conditions in Neurotypical Adults: A Preliminary Investigation.
Charalambous CC, Espinoza-Wade ER, Cesar GM … +3 more , Gerger M, Lai YH, Winstein CJ
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40488885 · Publisher ↗
During reaching, arm choice depends on handedness, success, and effort; however, whether these factors influence leg choice for goal-directed stepping is still unknown. We aimed to quantify the kinematics and behavioral...
During reaching, arm choice depends on handedness, success, and effort; however, whether these factors influence leg choice for goal-directed stepping is still unknown. We aimed to quantify the kinematics and behavioral patterns of leg choice and to explore whether success and/or effort influence leg choice during goal-directed stepping under two conditions in 20 right-leg dominant neurotypical adults. We adapted the classic center-out target array; participants stepped to pre-cued targets with an emphasis on accuracy without time constraints. The first set of trials was always for which either leg could be chosen. The second set of trials was verbally for which there was no choice as only the left non-dominant leg was to be used. We separately compared success, effort, and subjective difficulty between and trials for left and right target regions. In , participants uniformly selected the limb ipsilateral to the target. While success and subjective difficulty were not influenced by , effort varied depending on Our preliminary findings suggest that during goal-directed stepping, leg choice depends on effort and may be independent of leg dominance and subjective difficulty, while the difficulty of the condition can improve success independent of leg used.
Speed and Variability of Chair Stepping and Morphological and Neural Characteristics in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.
Hirono T, Takeda R, Nishikawa T … +2 more , Okudaira M, Watanabe K
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40488665 · Publisher ↗
Rapid lower limb coordination is directly related to physical activity skills in older adults and is controlled mainly by the central nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the association between chair stepping...
Rapid lower limb coordination is directly related to physical activity skills in older adults and is controlled mainly by the central nervous system. This study aimed to investigate the association between chair stepping skills and neuromuscular properties in older adults. Fifty-eight community-dwelling older adults (72.0 ± 5.0 years) participated. High-density surface electromyography from the vastus lateralis (VL) was recorded and was decomposed into individual motor unit activities. The slope (MU slope) and intercept were calculated from the regression line between the individual motor unit recruitment thresholds and firing rates in each participant. Muscle thickness of the VL and vastus intermedius and echo intensity of the VL were evaluated using ultrasonography. While sitting on a chair, they repeatedly opened and closed their legs to position their feet outside and within 30-cm interval lines rapidly for 20 s. The mean steps were associated with echo intensity ( = 0.388, < 0.01). Step variability was associated with the MU slope ( = 0.324, = 0.03). These results suggest that the rapid lower-limb movement skills would be determined by neuromuscular quality, such as echo intensity and motor unit firing patterns, in older adults. The chair stepping test can be employed as a screening tool as an alternative to specific assessments.
Young Adults Are Impacted by the Spatial Context of Visual Cues to Perform Walking Turns.
Pitman J, Vallis LA
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40392186 · Publisher ↗
Walking turns require coordinated axial segment rotations combined with step placement modifications. Visual information can inform this coordination and is used in three stages of processing: to the stimulus, the appr...
Walking turns require coordinated axial segment rotations combined with step placement modifications. Visual information can inform this coordination and is used in three stages of processing: to the stimulus, the appropriate response, and the response. We adapted a Simon task protocol to explore how response selection impacts walking turn execution. Young adults ( = 24; 15 female; 24.9 ± 4.5 years) completed walking turns to goals located 60 degrees left or right of their walking path. In some trials, heel contact with a force plate triggered appearance of an arrow on the same side (congruent), opposite side (incongruent) or in the middle (neutral) of a screen. To determine impact of different biomechanical demands for task execution, researchers specified which foot to initiate gait for each trial; this ensured visual cues were triggered either by the same limb as the turn direction (ipsilateral) or opposite (contralateral). We observed that head and trunk yaw motion was initiated earlier and with greater relative rotation magnitude for incongruent visual cues. Step width adaptations were also observed for both step patterns when responding to incongruent visual cues. Conflict at the response selection phase of visual processing disrupts typical turning behaviors of young adults.
Comparing Virtual Reality and Balance Beam Training vs. Virtual Reality Alone for Balance Improvement.
Pooranawatthanakul K, Cannong J, Thanasombut T … +3 more , Hanprerakriengkrai N, Justine M, Siriphorn A
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40392143 · Publisher ↗
THIS STUDY INVESTIGATED WHETHER COMBINING VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) WITH BALANCE BEAM TRAINING ENHANCES BALANCE PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN VR ALONE, ADDRESSING THE LIMITED RESEARCH ON THEIR COMBINED EFF...
THIS STUDY INVESTIGATED WHETHER COMBINING VIRTUAL REALITY (VR) WITH BALANCE BEAM TRAINING ENHANCES BALANCE PERFORMANCE IN YOUNG ADULTS MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN VR ALONE, ADDRESSING THE LIMITED RESEARCH ON THEIR COMBINED EFFECTS. THIRTY-NINE PARTICIPANTS WERE RANDOMLY ASSIGNED TO ONE OF THREE GROUPS: VR with balance beam training, VR alone, or a control group. Participants in the VR groups completed a 5-min rope walking VR game in four sessions per day, 3 days per week, for 4 weeks. Balance was assessed using the Neurocom Balance Master before and after the intervention. Both the combined VR and balance beam group and the VR alone group showed significant improvements compared to the control group, including reduced tandem walk end sway, increased movement velocity, improved maximum excursion in the limit of stability, and decreased sway velocity during single-leg stance with eyes opened. However, no significant differences were found between the combined group and the VR alone group. These findings suggest that both VR combined with balance beam training and VR alone can significantly improve balance in young adults. This indicates that either approach could be effectively used to enhance balance in this population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study was registered at www.thaiclinicaltrials.org (No. TCTR20201217005).
Integrating Motor Learning Principles into Muscle Force and Balance Control.
Wei Y, Kasahara S, Jiang L … +6 more , Chiba A, Ishida T, Koshino Y, Samukawa M, Saito H, Tohyama H
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40392084 · Publisher ↗
The principles of specificity and similarity play a crucial role in supporting the transfer and retention of motor performance in general sports training. Nevertheless, the extent to which force control ability translate...
The principles of specificity and similarity play a crucial role in supporting the transfer and retention of motor performance in general sports training. Nevertheless, the extent to which force control ability translates into dynamic performance remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of force control training on the transfer and retention of balance control in 18 young individuals. The force control training utilized a visual-guided force tracking task with either a uniform or non-uniform sinusoidal wave in ankle plantar flexors (PF). Postural stability was assessed by measuring the center of pressure (COP) in a single-leg standing posture. Despite consistent repetitions, no significant differences in COP parameters were observed between the pre- and post-training assessments. However, significant differences were noted between the pre-training assessments and the post-training assessments conducted one week later, utilizing a randomized order. Shifting from a regimen of constant repetition to a randomized order has a positive impact on the transfer and retention of acquired motor skills. This approach, based on the motor learning theory, holds promise for enhancing the motor performance of athletes and patients undergoing rehabilitation.
The Attentional Demands of Wheelchair Operation.
Frechette ML, Sosnoff JJ, Hernandez ME … +1 more , Rice LA
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40358091 · Publisher ↗
To determine how motor control patterns in wheelchair propulsion mediate attentional demands. Fourteen participants completed two single- and dual-task trials of Serial-7 Subtraction and four, 30-second motor tasks: Stat...
To determine how motor control patterns in wheelchair propulsion mediate attentional demands. Fourteen participants completed two single- and dual-task trials of Serial-7 Subtraction and four, 30-second motor tasks: Static Sitting, Short Leans, Maximal Leans, and Stationary Propulsion. Differences in cognitive and motor function were determined through paired samples -tests and percent changes (dual-task costs [DTCs]) were calculated. Within-subjects, repeated-measures ANOVAs determined differences in DTCs across motor tasks. Cognitive function was maintained from the single- to dual-task trials across tasks (DTC ≤ 13%; = 0.12-0.74). Motor function was uniquely maintained during Maximal Leans (DTC ≤ 0.5%; = 0.12-0.93), which yielded significantly lower dual-task cognitive function than the others ( < 0.01). Seated balance may be the primary contributor to the attentional demands of wheelchair propulsion.
Effects of Muscular Fatigue on the Performance of Handgrip Tasks During Force Generation and Relaxation.
Ohtaka C, Yanagita K, Nakata H … +2 more , Fujiwara M, Shibasaki M
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40327363 · Publisher ↗
This study investigated the effects of muscular fatigue on the accuracy of force control in the respective generation and relaxation phases while performing an isometric handgrip force-tracking task. Participants were in...
This study investigated the effects of muscular fatigue on the accuracy of force control in the respective generation and relaxation phases while performing an isometric handgrip force-tracking task. Participants were instructed to track a target line moving upward and downward, corresponding to 0 to 30% of maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) at a constant for 7 s. Eight sets of 25 continuous trials each were conducted. The force-tracking accuracy and electromyography (EMG) of extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) were evaluated. The force-tracking accuracy was compared between the phase (upward: generation and downward: relaxation), set (first and eighth), and within-set periods (early: 1-5, middle: 10-15, and late: 20-25 trials). The force-tracking accuracy at the middle and late periods significantly declined compared to the early period in the relaxation phase. Integrated EMG of ECR and FCU was significantly larger in the generation than in the relaxation phase. The integrated EMG of FCU in the generation phase was significantly different between the periods. Furthermore, the median frequency of FCU was significantly different between the phases and periods. These findings suggest that the effects of muscular fatigue on force control varied between generation and relaxation due to the amount and frequency band of muscle activity.
Effects of Motor Imagery on Skin Conductance and Pelvic Floor Sensorimotor Condition: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Cuenca-Martínez F, Rubio-Baños AI, Fuentes-Aparicio L … +1 more , Sempere-Rubio N
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40323209 · Publisher ↗
The main aim was to assess the effects of motor imagery (MI) plus pelvic floor musculature (PFM) isometric exercises (IE) on skin conductance and pelvic floor sensorimotor condition. Thirty healthy women were randomised...
The main aim was to assess the effects of motor imagery (MI) plus pelvic floor musculature (PFM) isometric exercises (IE) on skin conductance and pelvic floor sensorimotor condition. Thirty healthy women were randomised into two groups: MI+IE ( = 15), and sham-MI+IE (CG) group ( = 15). A pre- and post-intervention evaluation was conducted. Regarding the skin conductance, significant between-group differences were found in favour of MI+IE in the imagination phase with a large effect size (mean differences (MD)=1.79 μS, = 0.037, = 0.82). This greater sympathetic activation in the MI+IE group was accompanied by significantly greater hypoalgesia on presumed referral area of menstrual pain compared with the CG with a moderate effect size (MD = 0.722 Kg/cm, = 0.048, = 0.76). Finally, regarding the PFM strength, significant between-group differences were also found in favour of MI+IE compared with the CG with a large effect size (MD = 64.9 g, = 0.035, = 0.81). The results showed that adding MI to an IE program resulted in statistically greater improvements in pelvic floor sensorimotor function than IE alone in a single session and this should be considered clinically. Finally, one of the neurophysiological mechanisms by which the greater hypoalgesia generated in the experimental group could be explained through the activation of the sympathetic-excitatory system.
Practice Distribution and Self-Talk Effects on Motor Memory Encoding and Consolidation in Unskilled Adolescents.
Heydaripour S, Abdoli B, Shamsipour Dehkordi P
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40160175 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates the impact of self-talk and practice distribution on motor memory encoding and consolidation in adolescent males (aged 11-14). Despite extensive research on motor memory consolidation, few studies...
This study investigates the impact of self-talk and practice distribution on motor memory encoding and consolidation in adolescent males (aged 11-14). Despite extensive research on motor memory consolidation, few studies explore how self-talk and practice distribution together impact memory retention, particularly in adolescent athletes. This study aims to address this gap by exploring the combined effects of self-talk and practice distribution on motor memory. Participants ( = 80) were randomly assigned to six groups (instructional/motivational self-talk and control in both massed and distributed practice) and subjected to short pass accuracy test, which required participants to pass a ball within specified zones for scoring." The study examined acquisition and retention at 30 min, 24 h, and 72 h post-training. Distributed practice groups demonstrated superior encoding during initial learning compared to massed practice groups. Groups using self-talk outperformed control groups. Moreover, those employing self-talk showed better resistance to forgetfulness during consolidation. This research highlights the complex interaction between motor memory encoding, consolidation, and practice session strategies. It underscores the significance of self-talk as a cognitive tool in enhancing performance and skill development, particularly in adolescent males. These insights have implications for improving athletes' abilities and emphasize the importance of cognitive solutions and psychological skills.
Intra and Inter Skill Changes in Preschoolers Fundamental Motor Skills.
Johnson JL, Jenkins E, Breault K … +1 more , Uanhoro JO
J Mot Behav · 2025 · PMID 40110727 · Publisher ↗
Fundamental motor skills (FMS) play a critical role in the physical activity engagement and health of children. In this study we described inter- and intra-skill changes in preschoolers FMS mastery across a mastery motiv...
Fundamental motor skills (FMS) play a critical role in the physical activity engagement and health of children. In this study we described inter- and intra-skill changes in preschoolers FMS mastery across a mastery motivational climate (MMC) intervention. Fifty-six children (27 boys, 29 girls, Mage = 4.5) participated in a twice weekly, 30-minute MMC intervention for 29 sessions. Pre-post FMS were measured using the test of gross motor development-3. Girls showed larger FMS mastery changes in their locomotor (LM) skills than boys. The largest changes in LM skill mastery occurred in run, slide, and jump. For ball skill mastery, boys showed greater improvements in throwing compared to two-hand strike, dribble, and kick for girls. Our findings may inform the design and instructional strategies of future interventions.
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