Practice organization and the level of mental effort via pupil dilation: a study with a complex task

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study explores the impact of practice organization on motor skill acquisition, focusing on random versus constant practice. Random practice involves executing tasks in a non-sequential order, while constant practice consists of repetitive execution of the same task. Previous research indicates that random practice typically yields worse initial performance and then better learning outcomes due to greater demands on memory processes.

AIM: This study aimed to assess motor performance via a complex task and pupil dilation in both practice conditions, hypothesizing that random practice would initially hinder performance but enhance outcomes in post- and transfer tests, as well as elicit higher pupil dilation.

METHODS: Twenty right-handed adults with no prior golf experience were randomly assigned to constant or random practice groups and performed a golf putting task over two consecutive days. Motor performance (radial error) and perceptual effort (pupil dilation) were recorded using video analysis and eye-tracking technology.

RESULTS: The results showed that the random practice group did not demonstrate higher error rates or greater pupil dilation than the constant practice group during practice. While the random group performed better in the transfer test, pupil dilation levels remained consistent across both groups.

INTERPRETATION:The findings indicate that the random group performed significantly better than the constant practice group in the transfer test, suggesting enhanced motor learning. Despite the lack of expected differences in pupil dilation, this study highlights the need for further research on mental effort in practice organization, particularly with more complex motor tasks that require significant cognitive engagement.