Practice and transfer of the frequency structures of continuous isometric force

• Isometric force tracking entails the coordination of broadband time scales.
• Examined transient and persistent changes of fast and slow time scales.
• Transient practice-induced changes occurred in faster time scales.
• Persistent change decreased as a function of force frequency structures.

The present study examined the learning, retention and transfer of task outcome and the frequency-dependent properties of isometric force output dynamics. During practice participants produced isometric force to a moderately irregular target pattern either under a constant or variable presentation. Immediate and delayed retention tests examined the persistence of practice-induced changes of force output dynamics and transfer tests investigated performance to novel (low and high) irregular target patterns. The results showed that both constant and variable practice conditions exhibited similar reductions in task error but that the frequency-dependent properties were differentially modified across the entire bandwidth (0–12 Hz) of force output dynamics as a function of practice. Task outcome exhibited persistent properties on the delayed retention test whereas the retention of faster time scales processes (i.e., 4–12 Hz) of force output was mediated as a function of frequency structure. The structure of the force frequency components during early practice and following a rest interval was characterized by an enhanced emphasis on the slow time scales related to perceptual–motor feedback. The findings support the proposition that there are different time scales of learning at the levels of task outcome and the adaptive frequency bandwidths of force output dynamics.