Effect of contextual interference in fundamental motor skills in Adults

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze the contextual interference effect (CIE) on acquisition and transfer on fundamental motor skills (FMS) in adults. Seventeen men and women (M = 20.00 yr., SD = 2.09) were assessed in distance jump and overarm throw, at pretest and acquisition; and in strike for transfer test, using the Test of Fundamental Motor Skills for Adults. They were randomly assigned into two groups: blocked practice (BP) and random practice (RP). The training period lasted 1 session. A 2 (group) by 2 (measurement) analysis of variance with repeated measures indicated a significant interaction was found for jump (p = 0.019). No significant interaction was found in throw. Both groups increased performance on both skills in acquisition test. In acquisition, RP was significantly better than BP on jump. No difference was found between groups in throw. A t-Student showed that RP performed better, on strike, than BP in the transfer test (p = 0.029). CIE was found in the transfer test in adults. RP is recommended for motor learning of FMS in adults.