J M Ferguson1, C A Trombly. 1. School of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Professions, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies in the occupational therapy literature have investigated the effects of added-purpose (multidimensional, goal-oriented) occupation on performance. Motor learning research has demonstrated that factors that enhance performance measures do not necessarily enhance motor learning. This study examined the effects of both added-purpose and meaningful occupation on motor learning. METHOD: Twenty subjects (university students) were randomly assigned to either an added-purpose or rote exercise condition. After a skill acquisition phase, retention and transfer scores were obtained, and subjects were asked to rate the meaningfulness of the occupation on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A two-way analysis of variance indicated that only the added-purpose occupation resulted in significantly greater motor learning. Additionally, the added-purpose scores were not influenced by the level of meaning assigned to the occupation. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate how added-purpose can enhance a more permanent aspect of performance: motor learning. Further research is necessary to determine whether occupations that both are meaningful and have added-purpose are the most effective in enhancing motor learning.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: Numerous studies in the occupational therapy literature have investigated the effects of added-purpose (multidimensional, goal-oriented) occupation on performance. Motor learning research has demonstrated that factors that enhance performance measures do not necessarily enhance motor learning. This study examined the effects of both added-purpose and meaningful occupation on motor learning. METHOD: Twenty subjects (university students) were randomly assigned to either an added-purpose or rote exercise condition. After a skill acquisition phase, retention and transfer scores were obtained, and subjects were asked to rate the meaningfulness of the occupation on a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A two-way analysis of variance indicated that only the added-purpose occupation resulted in significantly greater motor learning. Additionally, the added-purpose scores were not influenced by the level of meaning assigned to the occupation. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate how added-purpose can enhance a more permanent aspect of performance: motor learning. Further research is necessary to determine whether occupations that both are meaningful and have added-purpose are the most effective in enhancing motor learning.
Authors: Christopher A Fowler; Lisa M Ballistrea; Kerry E Mazzone; Aaron M Martin; Howard Kaplan; Kevin E Kip; Jennifer L Murphy; Sandra L Winkler Journal: Pilot Feasibility Stud Date: 2019-12-11