Figure 2.

Factors influencing or interacting with processes of consolidation. Simplified sketch of specific variables that have been studied in the context of motor learning. (A) Pairing two motor tasks separated by a short time-interval (t) is associated with retroactive interference, and typical consolidation gains in performance may no longer be observed on the first task. (B) Expectation of future relevance or a monetary reward has been shown to elicit selective enhancement of specific (tagged, in black) memories during sleep. (C) Interleaved practice structures (black/white vertical) have also been associated with greater retention and transfer compared with blocked or massed practice (black solid). (D) On average, older adults show sleep-dependent motor memory consolidation on a whole-hand motor sequence task (Task B) but not on the same task requiring individuated finger movements to perform the sequence (Task A); adapted from (13). Green and red dots, respectively, denote the presence or absence of stabilization, improvement, or selective enhancement at retention testing.