As with most the experiments we look at this one has 2 groups:
- Group 1 – Could actually physically practice the piano for 2 hours a day.
- Group 2 – Could practice mentally sitting in front of the piano, not touching it, but imagine practicing.
Exactly the same changes took place in the Motor Cortex parts of the brain for both groups.
After 3 days each groups accuracy in playing the piano were exactly the same.
After 5 days Group 1s accuracy increased at a quicker rate. However as soon Group 2 were allowed to practice physically they caught up and matched Group 1s ability very quickly.
If you liked this experiment you will also like the finger exercise experiment.