Practice variability and children's motor behavior.

Abstract

This research investigated Schmidt's variability-of-practice prediction and the breadth-of-a-movement class. Schmidt's hypothesis was tested by varying the parameters of ball and distance in overarm throwing. Breadth-of-a-movement class was tested by employing two novel tasks not previously used in variability-of-practice designs. 203 kindergarten and first-grade subjects were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, three experimental and one control. Experimental subjects performed 45 trials in their respective training conditions, weight, distance, weight/distance, in one session. Two novel striking tasks were administered to all subjects pre- and posttest to assess the variability-of-practice hypothesis, and the generalizability of overarm throwing and striking. Variability-of-practice in the overarm throw appeared to strengthen the striking schemas of the kindergarten boys. Results suggest some support for the inclusion of throwing and striking in a single-movement class. The concept, breadth of movement class, however, requires further study.