The Process of Motor Proficiency and Self-Perception of Movements

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the process of motor proficiency of a backward circle on a horizontal bar, and the relation between the process and self-perception of movements.
The subjects used in this experiment were third and fifth grade children, who were unable to perform “a backward circle on the horizontal bar” motor task prior to this experiment. This experiment was composed of three main phases: demonstration VTR, trials, and introspection, and they were repeated. The experiment continued until the subjects were successful in the task, i.e. for 4-6 weeks (30-46 trials in all). Trials were filmed by video tape recorder and high speed video tape recorder. After the experiment, each subject's style was analyzed.
The summary of the results is: style of the backward circle was divided into six-types, each type represent a different level. But it was difficult to divide the process of motor proficiency by learning period, because individual differences were so great. The self-perception of one's own movements was reflected in their process of motor proficiency. The degree of the combination of motor phases could be predicted by individual self-perception.
These results suggest that teaching the learner to perceive his own movements and giving him knowledge about the process of motor proficiency is effective method of instruction for motor proficiency.