Résumé
Handwriting is a powerful mnemonic tool that has been shown to enhance recognition memory for unfamiliar texts. The motor networks engaged during handwriting are thought to prime the spatial–cognitive circuits later used for retrieval. It remains unclear, however, whether memory benefits arise from the active engagement of the motor system or the processing of visual and proprioceptive feedback obtained as the action unfolds. To dissociate these factors, we compared recognition memory across four different sensorimotor learning conditions. Ten participants, with no prior knowledge of Arabic studied 48 Arabic words (12 per condition) either by (i) static viewing of printed words, (ii) viewing a dynamic animation of each word’s stroke sequence, (iii) robot-guided passive tracing of the strokes, and (iv) active self-paced handwriting. After participants completed a recognition test, wherein accuracy (i.e., the number of correct words) was assessed. Results showed that active writing (93%) significantly outperformed static viewing (69%) (p = .044, one-way ANOVA). Although not statistically significant, dynamic viewing (84%) and passive robot-guided writing (86%) also showed higher accuracy than static viewing, suggesting a graded benefit of increased sensorimotor engagement. These findings support the idea that motor involvement, especially active movement, can play a meaningful role in supporting memory encoding. These insights are especially relevant for designing assistive tools for individuals with motor or cognitive impairments, including stroke survivors and those with mild concussions.
