A Comparison of Manual Guidance and Knowledge of Results in the Learning of a Weight-bearing Skill.

Sidaway B, Ahn S, Boldeau P, Griffin S, Noyes B, Pelletier K

This study compared the effect of providing two frequencies of manual guidance and of knowledge of results (KR) in the learning of a weight-bearing skill in healthy subjects. 40 subjects were assigned to one of four groups differentiated on the basis of the type and frequency of information provided for learning and were required to learn to distribute their weight on their feet at a 70:30 ratio. Following acquisition, retention tests were performed 10 minutes, one day, and one week later during which no feedback or guidance was given. These results indicate that infrequent KR was the most effective technique in learning to modify weight-bearing status and that frequent manual guidance during practice is ineffective for learning this task.

Infrequent knowledge of results was the most effective technique compared with manual guidance in learning to modify weight-bearing status.

Journal of Neurolgic Physical Therapy, 2008, 32(1), 32-38

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