Learning under self-controlled feedback conditions: Does the impact of sport-related concussion matter?

Abstract

Previous research on sport-related concussion has revealed evidence of cognitive deficits that influence oculo- and manual-motor function for one or more years post-injury. Proprioceptive impairment to these systems offers a potential challenge to motor skill acquisition of the concussed athlete. Previous research suggests that allowing participants (without concussion) to self-control their KR (knowledge of results) schedule enhances motor skill acquisition; however, it is unclear whether these learning advantages would be influenced following concussion. Participants (18 – 22 years) with and without a concussion history performed a novel spatial-motor task in conditions with or without self-control of KR. During acquisition, participants in both groups requested KR on a similar proportion of trials, and reported a preference for KR after perceived 'good' trials. Further, those participants who reported a preference for KR after perceived good trials exhibited more accurate performance compared to no-KR trials: a result that was consistent across concussed and non-concussed groups. These results extend previous research and provide initial evidence that previous concussion history does not negatively influence the utility of a self-controlled KR context during the acquisition of a novel spatial-motor task.