Modifications of neuromuscular activity and improvement in performance of a novel motor skill

The relationship between the modifications in the myoelectrical activity after practice and the performance enhancement was examined regarding a ballistic movement of the elbow. 41 subjects practiced a novel throwing skill, which involved the throw of a ball, performing elbow flexion. Surface electromyograms of four muscles in the elbow region were analyzed, aiming at identifying the changes in the timing and the intensity of muscle activation that may account for improved performance. A repeated-measures analysis of variance identified an improvement in performance scores after practice and a significant decrease in the EMG for the agonists and the primary antagonist. Moreover, a significant increase in the delay of the activity onset in the antagonists was observed after practice. The variations of the EMG for the biceps brachii and the anconeus were significantly related to improvement in performance. It was concluded that the modifications in the electrical activity of those two muscles were primarily responsible for the physical alterations associated with improved performance.