Keeping learner sufficiently challenged in a motor task through technology

This is an interesting paper that attempts to validate an algorithm that can just give the optimal challenge to the learner in a motor skill learning situation. There was success and the ideas in this paper can potentially pave the way towards understanding the mechanism of skill/challenge balance in flow. Those interested in motivation and learning sciences can also take a leaf from this paper to advance knowledge in learning.

Technology is making such explorations possible!

Let the force guide you: a performance-based adaptive algorithm for postural training using haptic feedback
Agarwal et al. (2022)
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

The developed algorithm is adaptive such that the task difficulty is defined based on the performance of the user. The aim of the algorithm is to “systematically” change task difficulty during motor skill learning based on predefined parameters. The basic idea behind the algorithm is that if the performance of the user during training is consistently “good,” the task difficulty is increased. Conversely, if the user’s performance is consistently “bad,” the task difficulty is decreased. The objective is to keep the user sufficiently challenged during the training session. Therefore, a novel two-way adaptive algorithm has been developed in this study. “Two-way adaptive” implies that depending on the task performance of the user, task difficulty can be increased or decreased during the training.

Link to paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2022.968669/full

Image from the paper to illustrate the task.