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NCT07914608

OPTIMAL Motor Learning in Table Tennis: A fNIRS Study

Sponsor: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

This study investigates how OPTIMAL theory influences table tennis backhand learning in young, healthy older, and mild cognitively impaired older adults. Meanwhile, we investigate the neural mechanisms of motor skill acquisition across different ages. This study utilizes functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor brain activity. Beyond immediate performance, the research focuses on Retention (sustained skill over time) and Transfer (application to novel tasks) as critical indicators of true motor learning. To ensure objective results, a double-blind design is employed, where both participants and data analysts remain blinded to group assignments during behavioral and fNIRS data processing to minimize bias.

Official title: Does the OPTIMAL Theory Enhance Motor Learning and Cognitive and Sensorimotor Area Cortical Activation? A Theoretical Mechanism Validation in Young, Older Adults, and Cognitively Impaired Older Adults Novice Table Tennis Players

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

18 Years - 80 Years

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

Start Date

2026-11-01

Completion Date

2028-10-31

Last Updated

2026-11-03

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Conditions

Motor Learning Aging Coginitive Dysfunction

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

OPTIMAL theory-based Instruction

Dose: 15 blocks of practice, with each block consisting of 30 table tennis backhand strokes (Total: 450 trials). Description: The intervention integrates three components: (1) Autonomy Support (AS): Participants choose the color of the table tennis balls. (2) Enhanced Expectancy (EE): A visual illusion is used where the target is surrounded by smaller circles, making the target appear larger to boost confidence. (3) External Focus (EF): Instructions direct attention toward the target rather than limb movements.

BEHAVIORAL

Conventional Instruction (Control)

Dose: Same as Experimental group (15 blocks x 30 trials; Total: 450 trials). Description: (1) No choice is provided (Yoked control). (2) A visual illusion is used where the target is surrounded by larger circles, making the target appear smaller. (3) Instructions focus on body mechanics, such as elbow position and swing path (Internal Focus).

Healthy young adults are aged between 18 and 30 years, while healthy older adults and older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are aged between 65 and 80 years. Regarding cognitive criteria, healthy young adults and healthy older adults must score 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Older adults with MCI must further meet the following diagnostic criteria for MCI: 1. Subjective cognitive decline: The participants themselves or their family members/primary caregivers report a decline in memory or cognitive function. 2. Objective cognitive impairment: The education-adjusted score on the Taiwanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-T) is between 20 and 23. One point is added to the total MoCA-T score for individuals with less than 12 years of education. Considering the heterogeneity in education levels among Taiwan's older generation, if a participant has 6 or fewer years of education (elementary school or below) or is illiterate, the Chinese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Basic (MoCA-B) will be administered as a supplement. This is to reduce false-positive interference on the visuospatial and executive function subtests caused by a low educational level. 3. Preserved activities of daily living: The score on the Compensatory Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL-C) scale ranges from 1.34 to 3.06, indicating that the participant possesses the ability to live independently and has not reached the level of dementia. In addition to the age and cognitive requirements, participants across all three groups must meet the following inclusion criteria: 1. Right-handed, with an Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) score \> 40; 2. Table tennis beginners who have never received professional table tennis instruction; 3. Played table tennis less than once a month in the past year; 4. Normal hearing and normal or corrected-to-normal vision. Exclusion criteria include: 1. Over 3 years of experience in other racket sports; 2. A history of neurological or psychiatric disorders; 3. Any musculoskeletal system diseases that might interfere with the experiment; 4. Unstable cardiopulmonary function rendering them unsuitable for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise; 5. Taking medications that affect the central nervous system or blood oxygen signals, such as potent sedative-hypnotics, antiepileptic drugs, or antipsychotic medications.

Locations (1)

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Taipei, Taiwan