Concurrent and Summary Feedback and the Ability of an Elderly Population to Learn a Limited Weight Bearing Skill

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of concurrent feedback and postresponse summary feedback in an elderly population learning a dynamic psychomotor skill. Subjects: Ninety individuals between the ages of 61 and 88. Methods: During the acquisition phase, subjects performed 20 trials using a walker as an assistive device. Weight placed on the right LE was monitored by a PedAlert device placed over the participant's shoe and the number of trials where the subject did not exceed the threshold of 80 lbs was recorded. During the acquisition phase, the subjects were given either concurrent or postresponse summary feedback. In the retention phase, the subjects took additional steps with the walker and the number of correct trials was recorded. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between concurrent and postresponse summary feedback during the retention phase. Conclusion: The results of this study did not support all conclusions concerning the effectiveness of concurrent feedback and postresponse summary feedback as reported by Schmidt and Winstein.