Out Put of Motor Performance as the Function of Cognitive Association

This research was designed to test the effects of cognitive practice on pursuit rotor performance. Two experimental groups, cognitive group (A) and physical practice group (B), and one control group (C) received differential treatment over a ten day period. Only the data from day one and day ten practice sessions were used in the experiment. An analysis of performance, total time-on-target, indicated that both groups A and B tracked significantly better than the control group (C) did on day ten. No difference was found between group A and group B. Both major hypothesis were supported. The data clearly indicated that cognitive practice, mental rehearsal, was as effective, in learning the pursuit tracking task, as was the actual physical practice. It was found that the cognitive, or mental practice, is a relevant variable which affects motor performance, especially on the tracking behavior in this study