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The Effect of Exercise Variability on the Acquisition and Learning of Overarm Throwing Accuracy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Kobra Javadian1   , Rasool Abedanzadeh * 1, Akram Hashemian2 |
1- Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz
2- Islamic Azad University, central Tehran Branch |
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Abstract: (6095 Views) |
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acquisition and learning of overarm throwing accuracy in children with autism spectrum disorder in different training conditions. Method: The population in this quasi-experimental study comprised male and female children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder aged 5 to 7 years in Darrehshahr, Iran. A sample of 18 children selected through convenience sampling was recruited and divided into three different groups based on their pretest scores: constant practice, blocked variable practice, and random variable practice. Participants took part in three intervention sessions and performed overarm throwing on targets placed on the front wall at the 3m distance. The constant practice group performed this task onto a 60×60cm target, whereas blocked variable and random variable practice groups performed it on targets with 30×30cm, 60×60cm, and 90×90cm dimensions. The acquisition phase consisted of six blocks, each with six trials, performed in three days. The retention test was performed 24 hours after the final session of acquisition, and then the transfer test was performed 10 minutes after the retention test with changes made to target size. Results: The results of the acquisition phase showed that the three groups had an improved performance which was, however, not significant (p>0.05). The performance of the constant practice group was better than that of others on the retention test (p≤0.05), but no group succeeded in transferring the skill to the new situation on the transfer test (p>0.05). Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that constant practice is effective in the learning of overarm throwing by children with autism spectrum disorder. Also, the practice specificity principle is confirmed in these children. According to these findings, we recommend that coaches and trainers employ constant practice to teach motor skills to children with autism spectrum disorder.
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| Keywords: Variable practice, Constant practice, Learning, Overarm throwing, Children with autism spectrum disorder |
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Full-Text [PDF 263 kb]
(2844 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2017/04/9 | Accepted: 2017/05/8 | Published: 2018/03/3
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