Narrowing the coordination solution space during motor learning standardizes individual patterns of search strategy but diversifies learning rates

Abstract

Constraints on practice can benefit motor learning by guiding the learner towards efficient coordination patterns, but can also narrow the potential solution space of coordination and control. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether narrowing the solution space through more restrictive task constraints limits the expression of potential exploratory behaviours during the learning process, identified using Drifting Markov Models. In a breaststroke swimming task, the change in interlimb coordination of 7 learners practicing for 16 lessons over 2 months was analysed to quantify motor exploration and identify periods of metastable regimes of coordination. Results showed that the observed exploratory dynamics were highly individual both in terms of range of exploration and in the patterns of search. The more restrictive task constraints did not impair the amount of exploration but rather channelled the exploration around a few selected patterns. In addition, restraining the nature of the exploratory process increased the inter-individual differences of the learning rate. Although manipulating the task constraints during learning can help learners to escape from the behavioural consequences of their intrinsic dynamics, maintaining a broad solution space for a diversity of coordination patterns to emerge was key to fostering effective exploration of individual coordination solutions.

Different pedagogical approaches to motor imagery both demonstrate individualized movement patterns to achieve improved performance outcomes when learning a complex motor skill

“…This raises questions about what can be considered an optimal level of exploration. Exploration can be described as a process of attuning to reliable information throughout the movement, suggesting that the effectiveness of exploratory behaviour cannot be solely attributed to an increase in the amount of exploration [ 23 , 29 , 50 ]. Rather, effective exploration may be an improved ability to attune to opportunities for action that align with the learners’ capabilities and experiences [ 23 , 50 ].…”

“…Exploration can be described as a process of attuning to reliable information throughout the movement, suggesting that the effectiveness of exploratory behaviour cannot be solely attributed to an increase in the amount of exploration [ 23 , 29 , 50 ]. Rather, effective exploration may be an improved ability to attune to opportunities for action that align with the learners’ capabilities and experiences [ 23 , 50 ]. Therefore, further research should consider how learners perceive information during MI practice when investigating exploratory behaviour.…”

“…From a NLP perspective, the aim is to develop an individual’s ability (i.e., performer constraints) to successfully adapt their movements to changing environmental constraints. Therefore, behavioral flexibility is a key attribute of skilled action, in which an individual can explore possible movements and attune to relevant information in satisfying the overall task goal [ 23 , 24 ]. Individuals adapt to environmental perturbations by exploring alternative movement options to meet the changing task demands.…”

The adaptable coach – a critical review of the practical implications for traditional and constraints-led approaches in sport coaching

“…These deviations are viewed as contributing to an athlete's search for movement solutions that satisfy the unique individual, task and environmental constraints within the learning landscape. 31,32…”