EXTRINSIC FEEDBACK AND THE LEARNING OF KINETIC PATTERNS IN CYCLING

This study evaluated the retention of a cycling kinetic pattern using two different feedback schedules and evaluated the potential for feedb ack dependency in a continuous-task learning environment. Eighteen ine xperienced cyclists rode a racing bicycle mounted to a fixed-fork Velo dyne Trainer, with pedal forces monitored by dual piezoelectric transd ucers. Subjects received right-pedal shear force feedback and a criter ion pattern emphasizing ''effective'' shear. Concurrent feedback (CFB) subjects received concurrent feedback 140 ms after the completion of every other revolution, while summary feedback (SFB) subjects received averaged feedback between trials. All subjects performed 10 retention trials without feedback 1 week later. Both groups improved significan tly during practice, and performance decay in retention was negligible . Group differences during all phases were not significant. High CFB g roup proficiency in retention indicated that the detrimental aspects o f frequent feedback were not significant. High SFB proficiency in rete ntion suggests that large changes in kinetic patterning are achievable with relatively few feedback presentations.