Small choices can enhance balance learning

The present study examined whether the learning of exercise routines would be enhanced by giving participants an incidental choice (i.e., exercise order). Two groups of participants were asked to perform three balance exercises. After watching a demonstration of each exercise, a choice group was allowed to choose the order of exercises, while yoked control group participants performed them in the same order as their choice group counterparts. To assess learning, a retention test was conducted 1 day later. The choice group had a significantly smaller number of errors (i.e., contacting the ground with the free leg to regain balance) than the control group. This finding indicates that performers' need for autonomy can be supported by giving them small choices - which in turn can positively affect the learning of balance exercises.