Autonomy support and enhanced expectancy in motor learning: An investigation in older adults

Few studies have examined the combined effects of OPTIMAL theory’s motivational factors in older adults. This study investigated how autonomy support and enhanced expectancies influence motor performance and learning in this population. Forty older adult women aged 60–65 (M = 62.82, SD = 1.43) performed a beanbag toss using their non-dominant hand. Participants were randomly assigned to either an autonomy support/enhanced expectancy (AS/EE) group or a yoked group. Both groups received performance feedback after every 10 trials, but the AS/EE group also received positive social-comparative feedback and could choose when to use their dominant hand for up to 4 throws per block. The yoked group’s dominant-hand use was predetermined to match their counterparts. On the following day, participants completed a retention test without feedback. Contrary to OPTIMAL theory predictions, combining these motivational factors did not enhance motor performance or learning in older adults. Potential reasons for these findings are discussed.