Brain, sleep and memory · 1 min read
Block practice was faster during training, but varied practice performed better later
Among 48 healthy men, those who alternated conditions performed better later and with the other hand. Sleep showed no advantage over staying awake.
The study, in plain language
Learning a movement does not end when practice stops. The team compared two ways of training a motor task: repeating each movement type in blocks or alternating between different conditions. They then observed performance after an interval.
During training, the block-practice group adapted faster. At the later test, and when using the other hand, the group that varied its practice performed better. Sleeping overnight showed no advantage over staying awake during the day on the main outcome.
The key idea
In this movement task, repeating in blocks worked better at first, varied practice performed better later, and sleep showed no advantage on the main outcome.
Something to think about
Think about something you are practicing: when do you feel you do it better, while repeating it or when trying it later? Here, what went best during practice was not what performed best afterward.
The original study
Variable training but not sleep improves consolidation of motor adaptation
Source under CC BY 4.0. English adaptation and explanation by PaperFlow, with AI assistance. The text has been reorganized for a general audience; it is not the complete paper and does not imply endorsement by its authors.
One study alone does not represent a field's consensus. Educational content does not replace professional advice. Report a possible error.