RESEARCH ARTICLE Effects of Visual Feedback-Induced Variability on Motor Learning of Handrim Wheelchair Propulsion

Background It has been suggested that a higher intra-individual variability benefits the motor learning of wheelchair propulsion. The present study evaluated whether feedback-induced variability on wheelchair propulsion technique variables would also enhance the motor learning pro-cess. Learning was operationalized as an improvement in mechanical efficiency and propul-sion technique, which are thought to be closely related during the learning process. Methods 17 Participants received visual feedback-based practice (feedback group) and 15 partici-pants received regular practice (natural learning group). Both groups received equal practice dose of 80 min, over 3 weeks, at 0.24 W/kg at a treadmill speed of 1.11 m/s. To compare both groups the pre- and post-test were performed without feedback. The feed-back group received real-time visual feedback on seven propulsion variables with instruc-tion to manipulate the presented variable to achieve the highest possible variability (1st 4-min block) and optimize it in the prescribed direction (2nd 4-min block). To increase moto