Adaptability from Contextual Interference in the Learning of an Open Skill is Context Dependent

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of the contextual interference effect in an open skill under blocked and random contexts.

Twelve participants performed a striking movement requiring anticipation of coincidence for targets moving at different velocities. In acquisition they practiced the task under low (LO) or high (HI) contextual interference. Assessment of retention and transfer of learning were made in situations of blocked and random target velocities.

Analysis was conducted on absolute temporal error. In transfer under random target velocities the HI group had lower temporal errors in comparison with the LO group, while no significant difference was detected in retention or transfer in the blocked context.

High contextual interference in the acquisition of an open skill led to improved adaptation to a random sequence of target velocities.