Differential Learning Enhances Motor Performance and Retention in Sport Science Students

Sex: All

Ages: 18 Years – 25 Years

Healthy volunteers: Yes

Phase: NA

Enrollment: 100

Sponsor: The Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax

Location: Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax (ISSEP Sfax) Sfax

Summary

This randomized controlled trial compared differential learning (DL) versus blocked practice (BP) on motor performance and retention in 100 sport science students. Participants performed a table tennis topspin serve. DL involved continuous movement variations without corrective feedback; BP involved repetition with corrective feedback. Outcomes included accuracy (Euclidean distance) and movement variability (ApEn). Assessments at baseline, post-intervention (after 6 sessions over 3 weeks), and 7-day retention.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate sport science student * Age 18 to 25 years * Physically active but non-expert in table tennis (less than 2 hours per week of structured practice in the past year) * Absence of self-reported musculoskeletal injury affecting upper or lower limbs * No known neurological or sleep disorders * No use of medication affecting motor or cognitive function * No irregular sleep schedules Exclusion Criteria: * Regular table tennis competition * Injury preventing practice * Known sleep disorder * Inability to provide informed consent

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View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07628465). StuddyBuddy aggregates publicly available trial information.