Effects of Fulcrum Height on Stabilometer Performance

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between time on balance and number of errors in stabilometer performance, with height of the fulcrum as an independent variable. Ss were 2 groups of 25 female undergraduates. One group was given 10 trials with a low fulcrum setting while the other group was given 10 trials at a higher setting. The low fulcrum group had significantly greater time on balance but made a greater number of errors. While time on balance increased across trials, there was no significant reduction in the mean number of errors. There was an increasing negative correlation across the 10 trials between time on balance and number of errors, suggesting an uneven rate of skill acquisition among Ss and that valid criterion scores might better be acquired late in the learning period.