Changes in electroencephalographic activity associated with learning a novel motor task

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Jennifer L. Etnier, Professor (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: This study was designed to examine changes in EEG activity associated with 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. It is concluded that there are consistent EEG changes in the alpha band that are associated with learning a motor task.

Additional Information

Publication
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 67(3), 272-279
Language: English
Date: 1996
Keywords
spectral alpha, motor learning

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