Effect of Moderate Exercise on the Performance and Learning of a Gross Motor Skill

The problem was to investigate the effect of a moderate standardized work load upon the learning of a gross motor skill. Non-exercised Ss performed 10 30-sec. trials on a stabilometer, rested, and performed three additional trials. On the same apparatus the exercised Ss performed an initial exercise bout, in addition to exercise bouts between the first 10 30-sec. trials. Results showed that, although the exercised Ss had an elevated heart rate, performance throughout the learning trials and the retest trials did not differ significantly from that of non-exercised Ss.