Cheryl A. Coker

Plymouth State University | Plymouth

We explore the problem of variability of practice from an applied perspective. Different types of variability, i.e., numerosity, heterogeneity, situational diversity, and scheduling are presented from the motor learning perspective, including theories, models, and concepts. We present the implications of applying variability into practice, the adva...

With an array of critical and engaging pedagogical features, the fifth edition of Motor Learning and Control for Practitioners offers the best practical introduction to motor learning available. This reader-friendly text approaches motor learning in accessible and simple terms and lays a theoretical foundation for assessing performance; providing e...

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effects of self-controlled knowledge of results (SCKR) to other KR schedules of varying relative frequency (25%, 50%, and 100% of acquisition trials) on motor skill learning. Participants received basic instructions on the soccer overhead throw and then performed 50 acquisition trials, during wh...

The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a screening instrument developed to identify basic movement dysfunctions that may increase musculoskeletal injury risk potential. To date there are no published normative values for the FMS in dancers; consequently, this study sought to establish those values in addition to identifying the prevalence and natu...

The adoption of compensatory movement patterns occurs when limitations in mobility, stability, or motor control prevent proper motion from occurring. These dysfunctional movements may inhibit fundamental motor skill development and negatively influence perceived movement competence, impeding the development of physical literacy. Therefore, this stu...

Studies examining attentional focus in the motor performance of children and young adolescents have produced mixed results. We studied 26 seventh-grade physical education student volunteers ( Mage = 12.7 years; SD = 0.56) who performed two standing long jumps for maximum displacement in four counterbalanced instructional conditions: (a) no cues pro...

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether functional movement proficiency could be improved as measured via the Functional Movement Screen using a standardized warm-up protocol in middle school physical education. A secondary purpose was to determine whether such improvement, if it occurred, would positively influence the technical...

The association between older adults’ self-perceived physical competence and continued involvement in physical activity (PA) was examined. Seventy-two older adults (60–79 years) completed the Physical Self Perception Profile (PSPP; Fox and Corbin, 1989) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess the relationship between physical se...

This study examined the effect of individually tailoring an external focus reference point in line with ability on standing long jump (SLJ) performance. Twenty-one female Division III hockey players (ages 18–23 years) performed two SLJs under 4 attentional focus conditions: (a) no focus provided (control), (b) focused on rapid knee extension (inter...

Given the known relationship between physical inactivity and chronic disease (US Dept. of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 2000, 2001), learning more about antecedents for physical activity engagement is an important research priority. In this vein, a number of studies have found a relationship between perceived and actual motor skill competency...

Proponents of chain training suggest that using chains hung from the ends of barbells rather than using conventional barbells alone enhances strength, power, and neuromuscular adaptations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a conventional barbell with chains compared to a conventional barbell without chains would affect the performa...

A limitation in studies examining the effectiveness of different cueing strategies in conjunction with modeling identified by Janelle et al. (2003) is that "mere inferences can be made concerning whether the cued model attributes were those in fact attended to" (p. 836). Using eye-tracking equipment, Coker and Hunfalvay (2006) examined the effectiv...

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of chains to a barbell during the performance of the snatch would invoke differences in execution compared with lifting a conventional barbell without chains. Additionally, subjects were asked whether they perceived that the addition of chains had effects on their performance, and, if...

This study examined the influence of two stimulus-presentation methods on coincident timing performance. 50 participants performed a button press and striking task in coincidence with a target stimulus. Participants were randomly divided into either the Terminating Group, whose target light was the last in the series, or the Apparent Motion Group,...

The discourse contained in this article is the result of an on-going discussion about "providing variability of practice" between professionals from different areas of study within kinesiology. The impetus for this discussion arose from a lack of common terminology, differing views, and the sometimes contrasting research and professional practices...

The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of stimulus direction and velocity on the coincident timing performance of a ballistic striking task. 26 subjects randomly performed 20 trials at each of two stimulus velocities (4 and 8 mph) and two striking variations (moving with an approaching stimulus or in opposition to it). Analysis indi...

Designing developmentally appropriate learning experiences requires an understanding of an instructional strategy known as simplification. Simplification, as the term implies, reduces the level of difficulty of a task, or some aspect of a task, for the learner. This article presents ideas regarding implementation of this strategy to accommodate a v...

summary: To maximize gains in size, speed, and strength, coaches may utilize alternative methods of training. Anecdotal evidence exists suggesting the effectiveness of chains as a resistance training modality. This article discusses that evidence as well as practical methods of incorporating chains in a resistance training program. (C) 2004 Nationa...

Two groups of students enrolled in a university physical activity course volunteered to complete Kolb's Learning Style Inventory at the beginning of and the end of a semester to estimate test-retest reliability. A control group (n = 129) completed the inventory in its original form while the experimental group (n = 124) completed the same test but...

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the differences, if any, in postural sway across percussive exercises varying in complexity, and (2) to examine the influence of a flexibility program on the postural sway of percussionists. Fourteen percussion majors from a university music department were assigned into two groups. Participants...

The purpose of this study was to investigate the coincident timing accuracy of the preferred and nonpreferred limbs in a ballistic striking task. A secondary purpose was to examine subjects' perception of their performance proficiency with each limb. 30 right-hand preferred subjects performed a 60-cm horizontal arm motion to displace a wooden barri...

9 starters and 8 nonstarters of a university women's softball team completed the Profile of Mood States prior to playing the team perceived to be the most and least difficult to defeat in their conference. A significant interaction indicated that nonstarters displayed higher fatigue prior to playing the opponent perceived as most difficult to defea...

To examine the learning styles of undergraduate athletic training students to determine their consistency in traditional classroom versus clinical settings. Subjects completed the Learning Styles Inventory twice, once focusing on learning new information in the classroom and the other focusing on learning new information in the clinical setting. Th...

23 athletes were asked to complete the Learning Styles Inventory first focusing on classroom learning, then on learning in their sport. Analysis indicated that learning styles shift across cognitive and motor settings. As a result, to ensure the validity of the results, giving respondents a particular focus when taking the inventory may be necessar...