Learning is a part of cognition and a group of researchers has supported that exercise, aerobic exercise, or physical activity has positive influence on learning/cognition (Cotman & Engesser-Cesar, 2002; Kamijo et al., 2007; Ploughman, 2008; Sibley & Etnier, 2003). Whether learning on mathematics or literacy, researchers in motor skill learning and control have demonstrated that acquisition of any motor skills is related to cognitive functioning (e. g., Lee, Swinnen, & Serrien, 1994; Schmidt, 1975; Willingham, 1998). The present study examines the effect of motor skill learning through interactive videogame on attention performance in college students who do or do not learn the designated motor skill.
Method:
Randomly selected college students (N = 44) were assigned evenly to either the experimental group (EG, n = 22) or the control group (CG, n = 22). The Stroop Color-Word Test (Golden & Freshwater, 2002) designed to measure selective attention, cognitive flexibility, and information processing speed was used. The experiment lasted for a week and consisted of pre-test, learning phase, and post-test. On the pre- and post-tests, all participants took the Stroop test individually. During the learning phase, the EG was required to perform a Wii Fit balance skill via table tile until reaching a pre-determined criterion for three days while the CG did not participate in this activity. Learning time was recorded for every attempt and session. A post-test with the Stroop test was administered to all participants shortly after the acquisition phase.
Analysis/Results:
A one-way ANOVA was used and showed significant mean difference of interference score between control and experimental groups, F(1, 43) = 12.62, p = .001, partial eta squared = .23.
Conclusions:
The study showed that EG had lower interference score than CG in which it meant the better level of attention performance of the EG can be attributed to the learning phase with balance skill. It also demonstrated that during the learning phase, motor movement and cognition are interrelated for accomplishing the balance task.
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