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# Bilateral Transfer Bilateral transfer is the phenomenon where practice with one limb enhances the learning and skill acquisition rate of the opposite limb on the same task. This phenomenon is crucial for many sport and daily activities, and understanding its mechanics is key for designing practi...

# Bilateral Transfer Bilateral transfer is the phenomenon where practice with one limb enhances the learning and skill acquisition rate of the opposite limb on the same task. This phenomenon is crucial for many sport and daily activities, and understanding its mechanics is key for designing practice. **Two explanations for bilateral transfer:** 1. **Motor control perspective:** The non-practiced limb uses the same generalized motor program as the practiced limb, applying the same muscles or limbs to perform the movement which is considered a parameter. EMG evidence suggests sub-threshold activity in the other limb when the movement is performed with one limb. This highlights transfer between the two cerebral hemispheres. Neuroimaging studies also show areas of cortical activation and neuroplastic change associated with bilateral transfer. 2. **Cognitive perspective:** When practicing a skill with one limb, the learner gains cognitive information about the skill's goal and execution. The subsequent practice with the opposite limb brings this learned cognitive information. The cognitive elements of the skill can apply instantly, leading to improved performance. This suggests an interplay between motor and cognitive processes for bilateral transfer. Physical or mental practice has similar transfer effects. **Examples of research:** * Kumar & Mandal (2005) * Liu & Wrisberg (2005) * Romkema, Bongers, & van der Sluis (2015) * Senff & Weigelt (2011) * Stöckel & Weigelt (2012) * Stöckel, Weigelt, & Krug (2011) * Hicks, Gualtieri, & Schroeder(1983) * Kohl & Roenker (1983) * Chamberlin & Lee (1993)