Perceptual and Motor Skills最新文献

Background: Observational learning plays a crucial role in the acquisition of complex motor skills such as dance, where learners observe expert demonstrations and transform perceptual information into coordinated motor execution. This process depends on how visual attention is allocated during observation, yet the role of gaze behavior in perception-action coupling during structured dance learning remains poorly understood. Purpose: This study examined how differences in expertise are reflected in gaze behavior during structured observational learning, and how these gaze patterns relate to the quality of movement reproduction in dance. Research Design: A mixed experimental design was employed, combining a between-group comparison of expert and novice dancers with a within-subject manipulation of repeated observation, followed by a movement reproduction phase. Study Sample: Twenty-six female participants took part in the study, including 11 expert dancers with over five years of formal training and 15 novice dancers with less than one year of dance experience. Data Collection and Analysis: Gaze behavior was recorded using mobile eye-tracking during twenty times repeated observations of choreographed dance sequence, and movement reproduction quality was assessed through expert-rated performance measures, with gaze and performance data analysed using repeated-measures ANOVAs and group comparisons. Results: Expert dancers exhibited longer fixation durations and fewer fixations. They also demonstrated larger saccadic amplitudes compared to novices, with greater visual focus on movement-relevant regions such as the shoulders, pelvis, thighs, and knees. Expert dancers received higher scores in both completeness and expert rating. Conclusions: Expertise-related differences were associated with more efficient and selective visual attention during observation, supporting perceptual-motor integration and accurate movement execution. By demonstrating how gaze behavior mediates the transformation of perceptual input into motor output, this study advances understanding of perception-action coupling in dance learning. These insights may inform the design of gaze-based feedback tools and adaptive training in physical or digital dance instruction.

BackgroundFootwork choices in épée fencing shape distance management, action initiation and load tolerance, yet empirical guidance on stepping versus bouncing footwork is limited. This study elicited expert consensus on definitions, coaching progression and competitive application of these footwork methods.MethodsA two-round, internet-based Delphi was conducted with Olympic-level épée coaches recruited via purposive sampling (Round One n = 26; Round Two n = 21). Round One open responses underwent inductive thematic analysis to generate statements. Round Two presented concise, operationalised items (single-choice/yes-no). Consensus was pre-specified as ≥70% agreement. For each item, the modal percentage and exact 95% binomial confidence interval (CI) were reported; margins over the runner-up quantified concentration of views.ResultsTwo items reached consensus: (i) teaching sequence: teach stepping first, introduce bouncing later (76.2%; 95% CI 52.8-91.8); and (ii) en garde across development: begin static/comfortable, add bouncing later (71.4%; CI 47.8-88.7). Two items showed near-threshold majorities with large margins: bouncing faster for attack initiation (66.7%; CI 43.0-85.4), and typical attack distance has decreased in modern épée (66.7%, CI 43.0-85.4). Confidence intervals were wide because items were rated by approximately 21 coaches; exact binomial 95% intervals for proportions near two-thirds typically span ∼±20 percentage points, reflecting panel size rather than disagreement.ConclusionsExpert coaches supported a progressive footwork movement pathway (step → bounce) and indicated context-sensitive deployment: bouncing likely affords time-based advantages for attack initiation, whereas defence/change-of-direction benefits from a repertoire that includes both modes. Findings bridge practitioner knowledge with motor-learning theory and promote studies linking footwork type to kinetics and kinematics, bout outcomes and tests of moderators such as athlete characteristics and opponent tempo.

Visuospatial skill, the ability to visualize and mentally manipulate information, is a process impacted by different factors like demographics, visual intelligence, and expertise in domains relying on these skills, such as visual arts or engineering. Here, we tested the unique contribution of drawing skills in predicting visuospatial performance while accounting for other factors, such as age and gender. Using a remotely and self-administered protocol, we tested visuospatial and drawing skills in 236 artists, visual and literary, aged 20 to 95 and located across the United States. Drawing accuracy and a measure of visual intelligence emerged as the strongest predictors of visuospatial skill. In addition, we provided further evidence for age-related differences that were driven by response times, along with gender differences in favor of men that were driven by accuracy. Visual arts expertise did not have a moderating effect on age or gender. Overall, the findings highlight the unique contribution of drawing skills to mental transformation performance.

Background: Previous studies have shown mixed results for the relationship between physical activity experiences and gross motor development. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between children's level of engagement in selected leisure-time physical activities (active transport, sports, and play) and their emergent gross motor behavior measured in a virtual-reality playground environment. Study Sample: To this end, 247 children aged 7-10 years old (girls: n = 127; boys: n = 120) participated. Reserach Design & Data Collection: Children were provided with a three-minute playground scenario in virtual reality, developed for free exploration, play, and with the possibility to move around without specific instructions. An inertial motion capture system was used to assess motor behavior in the playground, and the children's levels of engagement in weekly leisure-time physical activities were obtained through a parental questionnaire. Results: Correlation and principal component analysis were used to investigate the joint movement variability in the upper and lower body, while t-tests were applied to examine the potential differences in playground motor behavior and engagement in leisure-time physical activities. In statistical comparisons of children with high or low weekly activity rates, children with the highest levels of weekly engagement in play and active transport were found to have significantly higher upper-body movement variability. However, no other significant differences were found between high and low levels of leisure-time physical activity in terms of emergent motor behavior in the virtual reality playground. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the value of considering multiple dimensions of children's leisure-time physical activities when studying its relation to the development of motor control and coordination in middle childhood.

Today, it is thought that the desire to achieve the ideal body image may have a negative impact on the possibility of engaging with exercise and experiencing positive emotions during exercise. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the role of objectified body consciousness, which affects positive mood and self-conscious thoughts in predicting leisure satisfaction, which has a major share in individuals' quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the dispositional flow state, objectified body consciousness, and leisure satisfaction scores among sports center members. The sample of the study consisted of 340 members of sports centers. According to the hierarchical regression analysis, objectified body consciousness significantly predicted leisure satisfaction and explained 4.2% of the variance in the participants' leisure satisfaction scores. It was found that the dispositional flow state, along with the contribution of objectified body consciousness, significantly predicted leisure satisfaction and explained 25.2% of the variance. It was determined that the combined variables of objectified body consciousness and dispositional flow state accounted for a total variance of 29.4% in leisure satisfaction. The results supported the proposition that objectified body consciousness associated with body surveillance may play a role in experiencing less of a positive emotional state defined as a dispositional flow state. In order to ensure that individuals spend their leisure time productively through regular exercise participation, it is important for sports center operators and instructors to plan activities that address individual needs and provide supportive environments.

AimStroke often leads to impaired motor functions, particularly in upper extremities, making functional recovery essential for quality of life and independence. This study aims to examine effects of robot-assisted therapy on upper extremity functions and activities of daily living in rehabilitation of geriatric patients with chronic stroke.MethodsGeriatric participants who had a stroke at least six months prior were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving both conventional physiotherapy and robot-assisted therapy (ReoGo end-effector robotic system) or a control group with conventional physiotherapy only. Intervention group participated in 60-min ReoGo sessions along with daily physiotherapy over four weeks. Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment Scale and Functional Independence Measure evaluated motor functions and daily living independence, respectively. Pre- and post-treatment results were statistically analyzed within and between groups.ResultsAmong the 30 participants, those in intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in upper extremity functions and daily living independence compared to the control group (p < .05). While control group exhibited minor improvements, these changes were not statistically significant, underscoring the greater efficacy of combined approach.DiscussionRobot-assisted therapy significantly enhances motor recovery, likely due to its support for neuroplasticity through repetitive, controlled movements. This aligns with existing research, emphasizing benefits of robot-assisted therapy for motor learning and functional gains. ReoGo device also positively affected motivation and engagement, highlighting its potential role in long-term stroke rehabilitation. Overall, robot-assisted therapy may be a promising approach to improve motor recovery and independence in post-stroke patients, enhancing both quality of life and functional independence in daily activities.

Background: Previous research has identified differences in marathon times and pacing between men and women by age and distance. Purpose: The current study adjusted the differences in times by accounting for differences in age distributions between men and women and assessed gaps in times and pacing by place ranking. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Analyses are based on 2033 men and 1450 women who completed the 2022 St. George Marathon. Results: The average marathon time (hours, minutes, seconds) was 4:17:03 (0:09:49 per mile) for men and 4:32:45 (0:10:25 per mile) for women. The faster time in men was 3 minutes and 50 seconds (9 sec/mi) greater after age adjustment. The fastest men and women were aged 30-44 years. Faster average marathon times for men than women narrowed with older age, later distance, and lower place ranking. The pace slowed 9.5% for men and 8.7% for women (vs. the first 3.1 mi [5 km]). The slower pace primarily began after the half and was more pronounced from 18.6 mi (30 km) to the end, especially for men. However, the slower pace did not begin until after the 30 km for the top quartile of runners. Men's and women's times were more similar among the slower runners. Women were 24.5% better at running an even pace. More consistent pacing in women than men occurred in the age range 30-44 years and among faster runners. Conclusion: Faster marathon times in men than women become less pronounced in later age, longer distances (especially from 30 km to the end), and lower place ranking because of complex physiological and psychological differences, as discussed.

This study evaluates the physical performance of children aged 8-10 from northeastern Mediterranean regions (Italy, Türkiye, and Croatia) with a focus on change of direction (COD) ability and neuromuscular power through an allometric approach. A total of 890 children participated, undergoing assessments including the 4 × 10 m shuttle run for COD and the standing broad jump (SBJ) for explosive leg strength. An allometric scaling model was used to control for variations in body size, allowing for an analysis that accounts for growth factors like height and weight. Results show that height positively contributes to shuttle run performance, while increased body mass has a negative impact. The inclusion of SBJ in the model indicated that neuromuscular power further enhances COD ability, particularly in a balanced ecto-mesomorphic body type. Regional differences were also noted, with Italian and Croatian children outperforming Turkish peers, suggesting environmental or cultural influences. The findings underscore the importance of promoting strength and motor skills in youth physical education to enhance agility and overall fitness. These results offer valuable insights for designing tailored training programs that support balanced physical development in children.

Artistic swimming (AS) choreographies are evaluated by judges who assign scores based on pre-established criteria. Since perception and cognition are key mechanisms involved in scoring AS performances, visual search patterns and pupillary responses may vary according to judges' levels of expertise. This exploratory study aimed to compare visual search behavior, pupil diameter variability, and scoring between expert and novice AS judges during the evaluation of the Straight Ballet Leg and Rio figures. Six expert and seven novice judges wore an eye-tracker while evaluating 2D video projections of these figures. The results indicated that expert judges exhibited shorter fixations away from the athlete's body, made more fixations on the athlete's upper limbs, and fewer fixations on the lower limbs and areas outside the athlete's body. They also showed greater variability in pupil diameter and assigned higher scores compared to novice judges. Regardless of expertise, judges directed more fixations toward the upper limbs when evaluating the Rio figure and more toward the lower limbs when evaluating the Straight Ballet Leg figure. These findings suggest that expert AS judges display distinct patterns of visual attention - focusing on relevant areas (e.g., upper limbs) while disregarding irrelevant ones (e.g., areas outside the body) - along with greater cognitive load and superior scoring performance, indicative of highly automated cognitive processes.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the participants' ability to perceive trunk positions by comparing the trunk position sense (TPS) and subjective vertical test results. The effect of age on the perception of trunk position was also evaluated. Verticality perception was measured in the sitting position using the subjective vertical visual (SVV) bucket test and the subjective vertical postural (SVP) test with an automatic chair in the frontal plane. The repositioning accuracy of the trunk joint perception was measured using the TPS and assessed using a 3D-printed laser point support fixed to the xiphoid process during 30° of trunk lateral flexion in sitting and standing positions. Subsequently, the absolute angular deviation was calculated. The TPS data of the groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The Bland-Altman test was used to calculate the agreement between the evaluation methods. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of the TPS_sitting, TPS_standing, and verticality tests were compared using a receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 26 young and 26 older adults were included in this study. Older adults had a greater absolute angular deviation in the TPS_standing in the counterclockwise and total directions than the young adults. Agreement was greater between TPS_sitting and TPS_standing with SVV in young and older adults and between TPS_standing and SVP in older adults. TPS_standing has a greater sensitivity for clinical application in older adults. Therefore, the TPS is a viable instrument for assessing active trunk proprioception in young and older adults and has greater agreement with verticality tests.