Effects of Enhanced Expectancies and Autonomy Support on Learning Medical Motor Skills

Background: The optimizing performance through intrinsic motivation and attention for learning (OPTIMAL) theory proposes that enhancing expectancies future supporting learners’ autonomy facilitate motor learning. However, the effects of these factors on medical skills such as suturing have not been understood. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate enhanced support (AU) performance, learning, self-efficacy a skill. Methods: Participants were 63 right-handed students in pre-clinical stage their studies (years 1 2 education). They randomly assigned 3 groups: (a) social-comparative feedback (SCF), (b) AU, (c) control (CO) groups. A vertical mattress suture was chosen task. Following pretest with trials, all participants exposed 5-day practice phase. retention test performed week after During phase, SCF group received positive at end day. AU given option choosing color silk sutures. CO practiced without any or Suturing quality measured dependent variables. Results: Positive led better test; however, did enhance Moreover, increased during acquisition phase test, while had no self-efficacy. Conclusions: present findings OPTIMAL by demonstrating form can (i.e., suturing).