Changes in electroencephalographic activity associated with learning a novel motor task

Author(s): Whitwer, S. S., Landers, D. M., Petruzzello, S. J., Salazar, W.

Journal/Book: Res Quart Exercise Sport. 1996; 67: 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091. Amer Alliance Health Phys Educ Rec & Dance. 272-279.

Abstract: This study was designed to examine changes in EEG activity associated,vith the learning of a novel task. Right-handed adults (N = 61) were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Subjects' EEG was recorded at 10 sites. Subjects' performance was assessed using 8-s trials on a mirror star trace. On the acquisition day, the experimental subjects performed 175 trials while the control subjects performed 10 trials, sat quietly for the amount of time needed to perform 155 trials, and then performed 10 more trials. On the retention day, all subjects performed 20 trials. There was a significant Group x Day x Trial interaction that showed that performance improved across trial blocks and across days; however after the first 10 acquisition trials, the experimental subjects were always significantly better than the control subjects. Analysis of the EEG data showed a significant four-way interaction that showed that following the first 10 acquisition trials, the experimental subjects had more alpha activity than the control subjects. Ir is concluded that there are consistent EEG changes in the alpha band that are associated with learning a motor task.

Note: Article JL Etnier, Wake Forest Univ, Dept Hlth & Exercise Sci, POB 7868, Winston Salem, NC 27109 USA

Keyword(s): spectral alpha; motor learning; ANGIOGENESIS

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