The effect of anxiety on motor learning during a postural task

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Date
2011
Authors
Sessford, Karus David
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Kinesiology, c2011
Abstract
The effect of anxiety on motor learning during a balance relevant task was investigated. Twenty participants (mean age 22.0 ± 2.7 years) were randomly divided into groups that completed the task whilst standing directly on the platform or on 9cm high pedestals, thus constructing Non-Anxious (NA) or Anxious (A) environments. Participants trained for 36 trials in a continuous, pseudo-random oscillating balance task consisting of pseudo-random amplitude translation at 0.5Hz for 45 seconds each on Day 1 and returned for Retention and Transfer tests on Day 2. Motor performance was impaired by training in an anxious environment and this effect persisted across retesting in both non-anxious and anxious environments. Anxiety also tended to further impair transfer of motor performance improvements to a non-anxious environment. These findings have implications for the success of balance training programs in patients who are anxious or afraid of falling.
Description
ix, 103 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm
Keywords
Motor learning -- Research , Anxiety -- Physiological aspects , Equilibrium (Physiology) -- Research , Motor ability -- Testing , Falls (Accidents) in old age -- Research , Dissertations, Academic
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