The Effects of Task Preference on Performance During Purposeful and Nonpurposeful Activities

Abstract

This study examined the number of repetitions, increase in heart rate, increase in blood pressure, and rating of perceived exertion of subjects performing the most-preferred and least-preferred tasks from a predetermined list under purposeful and nonpurposeful conditions. Twenty healthy women completed the four experimental tests in random order for a period of 10 min each. The results indicated that there was no significant interaction (p greater than .05) between task choice and condition, thus implying that the subjects' performance was not influenced by task preference regardless of whether the activity was purposeful or nonpurposeful. Comparisons between the purposeful and nonpurposeful conditions revealed that the increase in heart rate and rating of perceived exertion were significantly higher (p less than .05) during nonpurposeful activity for both the most-preferred and the least-preferred tasks. On the basis of these results, it is recommended that therapists use purposeful, or goal-directed, activities in their practice, even if they are unable to provide their patients with a choice of therapeutic tasks.

The experience sampling method: its potential use in occupational therapy research

“…Concepts such as meaningfulness and purposefulness have been considered central determinants in therapeutic outcomes. Several researchers have sought to establish that meaning of an activity is affected by the way it is presented (Miller & Nelson, 1987;Block, Smith, & Nelson, 1989;Yoder, Nelson, & Smith, 1989;Bakshi, Bhambhani, & Madill, 1991). Findings from these studies have supported the concept that occupations which are goal directed are beneficial to clients.…”

Effects of Task Goal and Personal Preference on Seated Reaching Kinematics After Stroke

“…The participants were then asked to select their most-preferred and least-preferred beverages 28 among the 5 types of beverage.…”

“…If a person selects what he/she likes or prefers, the person may more actively engage in doing the task, leading to enhanced performance. 27 Sporadically, studies 28,29 have examined the influence of personal preferences on motor performance of adults. Bakshi et al 28 examined the number of movement repetitions and physiological change when subjects performed the most-and least-preferred tasks for a fixed duration.…”

“…27 Sporadically, studies 28,29 have examined the influence of personal preferences on motor performance of adults. Bakshi et al 28 examined the number of movement repetitions and physiological change when subjects performed the most-and least-preferred tasks for a fixed duration. The results showed nonsignificant differences in these dependent variables.…”

“…On the basis of the propositions of current motor control theories 1,4,9 and empirical findings of research on functional goals [12][13][14][15][16][17] and personal preferences, 28,29 the following hypotheses were generated to test the effects of functional goals and personal preferences on reaching kinematics.…”