Can competing movements in new skill learning cause a motor program memory to be forgotten?

Competing movements can indeed influence the retention of a newly learned motor program. When a motor skill is learned, a specific memory trace is created that encodes the sequence of movements, timing, and coordination necessary to execute that skill. If a learner begins to practice another skill that requires similar movements or motor patterns, this can create interference in the original motor program memory.

This phenomenon is often referred to as "interference" and is well-documented in motor learning research. For instance, if an athlete learns to perform a new golf swing but then practices a different swing style that requires similar muscular movements, the mechanics of the second swing can inadvertently override or disrupt the motor memory of the first swing. Such interference can lead to difficulties in recalling the original movement pattern, making it seem as though the memory is forgotten or compromised.

Therefore, understanding that competing movements can disrupt the recall of a motor program underscores the importance of focused practice and the need to minimize interference when learning new skills, especially in competitive environments. This recognition is crucial for both instructors and learners alike to enhance the effectiveness of their training regimens.