Effects of Object Affordances on Movement Performance: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

It is suggested that an effective method of re-establishing function is to give patients with brain lesions tasks that involve reaching for or reaching-to-grasp objects [1, 2]. This viewpoint is reflected in the model of occupation [3, 4] showing that a materials-based form of occupation (i.e., the use of real objects) could elicit better occupational performance than other types of occupational form such as imagery-based occupation and rote exercise. The notion of beneficial effects derived from materials-based occupation was supported by a previous meta-analysis [5]. The finding of this earlier meta-analysis holds promise for further investigation into how the use of objects can contribute to changes in motor performance. This meta-analytic review investigates this possibility and synthesizes the findings of the studies investigating the effects of affording objects (i.e., object affordances) on motor performance. The results of this meta-analysis show a moderate relationship between object affordances and motor performance and provide more specific information on the form-performance relationship. The impact of potential moderators on the study findings is explored. Implications for clinical practice and recommendations for further studies are discussed.