Occupation on Motor Learning

This article was acceptedfor publication August 29, 1996 Objective. Numerous studies in the occupational therapy literature have investigated the e./ficts ofadded-purpose (multidimensional, goal-oriented) occupation on perftr­ mance. Motor learning research has demonstrated that ftctors that enhance perftrmance measures do not neces­ sarily enhance motor learning. This study examined the e./ficts ofboth added-purpose and meaningful occupation on motor learning. Method. Twenty subjects (university students) were randomly assigned to either an added-purpose or rote exer­ cise condition. After a skill acquisition phase, retention and transfer scores were obtained, and subjects were asked to rate the meaningfulness ofthe occupation on a visual analog scale. Results. A two-way analysis ofvariance indicated that only the added-purpose occupation resulted in signifi­ cantly greater motor learning. Additionally, the added­ purpose scores were not influenced by the level ofmeaning assigned to the occupation. Conclusion. This study is the first to demonstrate how added-purpose can enhance a more permanent aspect of performance: motor learning. Further research is necessary to determine whether occupations that both are mean­ ingful and have added-purpose are the most effective in enhancing motor learning.