Self-Controlled Use of a Perceived Physical Assistance Device during a Balancing Task

The nature of the relationship between self-controlled conditions and the participant's perception of when and how to use a physical assistance device while practicing a balancing task was examined. Participants in the Self-control group (n= 9) were allowed to decide when to use a balance pole while performing the task, while the Yoked group (n= 9) had no choice regarding pole usage. The Self-control group had immediate performance benefits that persisted on a delayed retention task. Questionnaire results indicated that the Self-control group predominately used the balance pole when attempting a new performance strategy, while the Yoked group reported they would have preferred use of the pole when attempting a new strategy. Results lend support to the assertion that self-controlled conditions facilitate learning because participants can make decisions regarding assistance based on self-generated performance strategy-as relating to their perception of successful movement execution--to a greater extent than under externally controlled conditions.