Joint control and the acquisition of sequences in a group exercise setting

Adults often cite lack of enjoyment among their reasons for not exercising and research has suggested that increased competence in a form of physical activity leads to increased reports of enjoyment and greater adherence. Given this, focusing on skill acquisition may help maintain engagement in physical activities, allowing individuals to reap many of the related benefits. This study evaluated the effects of a joint control procedure on skill acquisition in a group exercise format, using a multiple-probe design. Specifically, 15 adult participants, ages 19-29 years, were recruited for this study. As the purpose was to focus on acquisition, data analysis was focused on five participants who did not meet a minimum of 80% during baseline sessions. During the joint control intervention, all participants were taught the names of each movement, the verbal sequence of movements in each sub-section, and to engage in a self-echoic of the verbal sequence while the engaging in the sequence of moves themselves. Percentage of correct movements was recorded as the main dependent variable. Results suggest that the joint control procedure was effective in increasing skill acquisition among all participants, and notably so for those with lower acquisition rates in baseline. Participants also demonstrated higher levels of correct movements and faster acquisition during generalization probes with a new sequence.