The effects of contextual relevance and ownership on a reaching and placing task

Aim: This study investigated whether a more familiar environment and object ownership would result in enhanced motor performance. Methods: Thirty‐two women from the community aged 30 to 60 years lifted and placed their mug and a second mug they did not own in their home kitchen and in a laboratory. Results: Although no differences were found on the factor of location, participants were more efficient (i.e. less movement time) when reaching for their own mug. Additionally, there were fewer movement units with their own mug in the lab than when at home. Conclusions: Implications are that perceived compatibility between context and ownership may influence the quality of movement. Further research is needed to investigate the role these factors have in the formation of meaning.