Contextual Interference in Motor Skill Performance: A Meta-analysis

Abstract

The aim of this meta-analysis is to quantify the results in the contextual interference effect. The study produced 150 effect sizes from twenty-five studies, and a total of 1256 participants. The overall effect size was 0.34 (p≤ 0.05). The effect size presents high variability. The results show difference between the acquisition and the retention phase. There were not found other significant effects.  The performance on motor skills benefits from practice sessions, in the acquisition phase, but not in the retention phase. No other factors were found that moderate the performance on motor skills. Furthermore analyses are recommended. It is also recommended the use of a control group, to conclude with certainty that the benefits on the performance are due to the practice sessions.