Citation

Greenwood M, Meeuwsen H, French R. Activ. Adapt. Aging 1993; 17(3): 39-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J016v17n03_03

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The effectiveness of a content dependent learning strategy and a content independent learning strategy on the performance of a closed motor skill (underhand dart throw) and the transfer of these strategies to the performance of two related closed motor skills (an underhand jart throw and a ball toss) were examined in 50 female and 50 male older adults (range = 65-75 years). In addition, the effectiveness of the content independent strategy was compared to that of the content dependent strategy when the strategies were combined with verbal praise. Gender differences in task performance were also examined. All older adults' performances greatly benefitted from both cognitive learning strategies. Verbal praise combined with the cognitive learning strategies did not further improve subjects' performances, nor did performance differences exist between the experimental conditions. Based on these data practitioners should encourage older adults to use cognitive learning strategies when performing closed motor skills. Suggestions for implementation of content independent cognitive strategies in activity programs are discussed.