The effect of mental and physical practice on the learning of rotary pursuit skill Generalized Motor Program and parameter

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of mental and physical practice on the learning of rotary pursuit GMP (generalized motor program) and parameter. 20 students of Shahid Beheshti University participated voluntarily in this quasi- experimental study. Having completed the pretest phase, the participants practiced rotary pursuit skill for three days. After 48 hours, they performed the retention test. The data was statistically analyzed via dependent and independent t test (P = 0.05). The results showed that mental and physical practices enhance the learning of rotary pursuit GMP skill and parameter (P = 0.001). It was indicated that there was no significant difference between the mental and the physical practice effects on the learning of rotary pursuit skill GMP and parameter. Mental practice can be an alternative for physical practice in the learning and rehabilitating of GMP and parameter of pursuit skill, especially when an individual isn’t able to use his organ for physical activity and skills performance.