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Yamada M, Saemi E, Delfi S, Afrash S. A registered report with a single blind procedure to examine the effect of attentional focus and imagery dominance on dart throwing. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2024:102745. [PMID: 39332787 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 09/03/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024]
Abstract
External focus of attention (EFOA) has been shown to improve motor performance relative to internal focus of attention (IFOA). Recently, studies have shown that this attentional focus effect may depend upon an individual difference (i.e., motor imagery): Those with a higher ability to visualize movements benefited more from EFOA, and those with a higher ability to feel movements benefited more from IFOA. However, inconsistent findings exist, potentially due to underpowered studies with various potential biases. Thus, leveraging a registered report and single-blind procedure, we will examine the effect of EFOA and IFOA on dart-throwing performance and how the attentional focus could be altered based on individuals' imagery dominance. Participants will complete a dart-throw task with EFOA and IFOA. Then, participants will complete practice trials with no attentional focus, which will be followed by another set of performance trials with EFOA and IFOA. This study will examine whether the effect of attentional focus instruction will persist in a single-blind study and explore its effect on imagery dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esmaeel Saemi
- Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shadi Delfi
- Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Sana Afrash
- Department of Motor Behavior and Sport Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
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Hohagen J, Immerz A. Focus of attention in musical learning and music performance: a systematic review and discussion of focus instructions and outcome measures. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1290596. [PMID: 38650905 PMCID: PMC11033434 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1290596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The topic of attentional focus (focus of attention, FOA) in musical learning and performance has recently received increasing interest, as the growing number of empirical studies inspired by the established FOA paradigm in sports by Wulf and colleagues in 1998. The current systematical review aims at collecting, abstracting, and categorizing relevant data to show which kinds of FOA instructions were applied in experimental designs and what kinds of dependent variables were used to measure the effects of FOA instruction on musical performance. The three main inclusion criteria in the selection process were experimental design, detailed descriptions of FOA instructions, and outcome measures (OMs). A systematic search was conducted with a complex search term in four scientific databases in March 2023. For presenting and synthesizing results, we used data collection and an inductive-deductive data categorization. Fifteen studies with a total sample size of 401 participants were included out of 387 records initially identified. We collected 53 different FOA instruction citations from the 15 studies and classified them into 9 FOA subcategories, of which the most applied were bodily focus (21%), sound focus (15%), and visual focus (14%). Selected studies used 63 OMs that were abstracted to 10 different OM categories with expert ratings (27%) and acoustical analysis (22%) as the most applied dependent variables. Data categorization and abstraction of additional study information show multiple combinations of FOA instructions, OMs, participants' instruments and expertise, and musical tasks. Finally, studies show no consistent results of superiority of either external or internal or otherwise different FOA considering positive effects on musical performance. Limitations of the review lie in the small study sample, possible criticism of applied eligibility criteria, and subjectivity of data categorization. We propose a research agenda with a more exploratory approach that comprehensively and qualitatively examines the dimensions of musical goals to create a database that could provide a foundation for developing a music-specific FOA model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Hohagen
- Freiburg Institute for Musicians’ Medicine, University of Music Freiburg, Medical Center of Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Freiburg Center for Music Research and Teaching, Freiburg, Germany
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Müller S, Beseler B, Morris-Binelli K, Mesagno C. Temporal samples of visual information guides skilled interception. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1328991. [PMID: 38469214 PMCID: PMC10925617 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1328991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated whether performance of an interceptive skill requires an intact visual-perception-action cycle. Eleven skilled male Australian rules football athletes (Mage = 17.54, SD = 0.15) were recruited from an elite developmental pathway squad for a within-subject study. Participants were required to kick a ball directly at a goal from a 20-meter distance while wearing a pair of stroboscopic glasses. The glasses were used to create four vision conditions. Condition one kept intact the visual-perception-action cycle with uninterrupted vision of the motor skill. Three other conditions included stroboscopic vision that presented temporal samples of vision, which interrupted the perception-action cycle through progressive increases to intermittent vision occlusion of the motor skill. Goal kick error of ball position relative to a central target line within the goal and number of successful goals kicked were measured. Written report of internal and external focus of attention was also measured after each vision condition. Generalized estimating equation analysis did not reveal a significant decrement in kick target error, nor accuracy of goals scored, across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. Performance was maintained despite a shift in attention focus from external to internal across normal to stroboscopic vision conditions. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for the visual regulation of skilled interceptive actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Müller
- Centre for Smart Analytics, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Bradley Beseler
- Institute of Education, Arts & Community, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
| | - Khaya Morris-Binelli
- School of Health Sciences, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Christopher Mesagno
- Institute of Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC, Australia
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Barzyk P, Gruber M. Motor learning in golf-a systematic review. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1324615. [PMID: 38419912 PMCID: PMC10899359 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1324615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Golf is a sport that consists of complex movement skills that need to be executed with utmost precision. Consequently, motor skill learning plays a crucial role in golf, and large numbers of studies address various methods of motor learning. In the present review, we give a systematic overview of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on motor learning of golf-specific motor skills. Three electronic databases were searched for RCTs looking at the effect of at least one learning method on performance in a golf-specific motor task. We grouped the studies depending on the learning strategies "cognitive training", "practice scheduling", "augmented feedback", "implicit and explicit learning" and "focus of attention". Fifty-two RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Superior methods within their respective strategies were an external focus of attention and increasing contextual interference, as well as errorless learning. For "cognitive training" and "augmented feedback", no single method can be considered the most favorable. The overall biggest limitations were the lack of statistical power for more than half of the RCTs, and the fact that most studies of the present review investigated simple putting tasks in novices only. Although we have shown superiority of specific learning methods, transferability of the recommendations that can be derived from simple golf tasks in novices to sport-specific tasks in advanced players still has to be demonstrated and require study designs with the intention to provide practical recommendations for coaches and athletes in the sport of golf.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Gruber
- Department of Sport Science, Human Performance Research Centre, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
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Pompa D, Carson HJ, Beato M, di Fronso S, Bertollo M. Attentional Focus Effects on Lower-Limb Muscular Strength in Athletes: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:419-434. [PMID: 38154026 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pompa, D, Carson, HJ, Beato, M, di Fronso, S, and Bertollo, M. Attentional focus effects on lower-limb muscular strength in athletes: A systematic review. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 419-434, 2024-Evidence links an athlete's focus of attention to enhancing strength performance. However, additional research is needed to investigate the applicability of studies beyond the tasks and population currently examined. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review studies concerning attentional focus effects on strength characteristics on lower-limb tasks in athletes. Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases were searched using PRISMA PERSIST guidelines and keywords related to the focus of attention, force production processes, and athletes. Subjects were categorized: world class (tier 5); elite (tier 4); highly trained (tier 3); trained/developmental (tier 2); nonathletes (tiers 1-0); and mixed (different levels). Fifteen of 296 studies met the inclusion criteria. Included studies investigated the focus of attention effects on performance ( n = 6), between skill levels ( n = 2), and for learning ( n = 5), with respect to subject preference ( n = 1); one study did not state the aim. Studies achieved an average risk of bias score of "excellent"; however, findings suffered in the assessment of certainty. Only 2 studies reported an advantage for one type of attentional focus (external focus) across conditions ( g = 0.13-0.42) with tier 2 and mixed tier athletes. Research does not address the needs of elite athletes, and there is limited evidence on each type of strength characteristics and muscle action. There is also a need to incorporate methodological steps to promote task-relevant instructions. Research should focus on contextualized information within professional practice to offer stronger translational implications for athletes and coaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Pompa
- BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Howie J Carson
- Human Performance Science Research Group, Institute for Sport, Physical Education and Health Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; and
| | - Marco Beato
- School of Health and Sports Sciences, University of Suffolk, Ipswich, United Kingdom
| | - Selenia di Fronso
- BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bertollo
- BIND-Behavioral Imaging and Neural Dynamics Center, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Strick AJ, Markwell LT, Makaruk H, Porter JM. The location of an internal focus of attention differentially affects motor performance. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294246. [PMID: 37956130 PMCID: PMC10642821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior research has questioned the appropriateness of internal focus instructions or the juxtaposition to external and control conditions. Moreover, there has been a lack of research conducted to test a variety of internal conditions on motor performance. The purpose of the present study was to address those critiques and add to the attentional focus literature by varying the location of an internal focus while performing a standing long jump. Participants performed a standing long jump during five separate conditions (internal focus: toes, knees, hips, arms; and control). The analysis revealed that all internal focus conditions performed worse than the control condition. Furthermore, the only difference between internal conditions was found between arms and knees, where the knee condition resulted in a significantly shorter jump distance relative to the arms. Regardless of the location specified, all internal focus conditions led to detriments in jump performance when compared to the control condition. These findings add to a large body of work demonstrating the importance of instructional content on motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Strick
- Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Logan T. Markwell
- Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Hubert Makaruk
- Department of Physical Education, Józef Piłsudski University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jared M. Porter
- Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
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Herrebrøden H, Jensenius AR, Espeseth T, Bishop L, Vuoskoski JK. Cognitive load causes kinematic changes in both elite and non-elite rowers. Hum Mov Sci 2023; 90:103113. [PMID: 37331066 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2023.103113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
The current motor literature suggests that extraneous cognitive load may affect performance and kinematics in a primary motor task. A common response to increased cognitive demand, as observed in past studies, might be to reduce movement complexity and revert to previously learned movement patterns, in line with the progression-regression hypothesis. However, according to several accounts of automaticity, motor experts should be able to cope with dual task demands without detriment to their performance and kinematics. To test this, we conducted an experiment asking elite and non-elite rowers to use a rowing ergometer under conditions of varying task load. We employed single-task conditions with low cognitive load (i.e., rowing only) and dual-task conditions with high cognitive load (i.e., rowing and solving arithmetic problems). The results of the cognitive load manipulations were mostly in line with our hypotheses. Overall, participants reduced movement complexity, for example by reverting towards tighter coupling of kinematic events, in their dual-task performance as compared to single-task performance. The between-group kinematic differences were less clear. In contradiction to our hypotheses, we found no significant interaction between skill level and cognitive load, suggesting that the rowers' kinematics were affected by cognitive load irrespective of skill level. Overall, our findings contradict several past findings and automaticity theories, and suggest that attentional resources are required for optimal sports performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Herrebrøden
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094, Blindern, Oslo 0317, Norway.
| | - Alexander Refsum Jensenius
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Musicology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Thomas Espeseth
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094, Blindern, Oslo 0317, Norway; Department of Psychology, Oslo New University College, Lovisenberggata 13, Oslo 0456, Norway.
| | - Laura Bishop
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Musicology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jonna Katariina Vuoskoski
- RITMO Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies in Rhythm, Time and Motion, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094, Blindern, Oslo 0317, Norway; Department of Musicology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Gottwald V, Davies M, Owen R. Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1176635. [PMID: 37293436 PMCID: PMC10244639 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1176635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Directing our focus of attention appropriately during task execution can benefit outcome performance, cognitive efficiency, and physiological efficiency. For instance, individuals may benefit from adopting an external focus of attention (i.e., by focusing attention on the effects of one's movements on the environment) over an internal focus of attention (e.g., focusing on one's body movements). However, accounts concerning the theoretical functioning of such effects have primarily relied on hierarchical information processing perspectives; far less consideration has been given to potentially alternative explanations based on ecological dynamics, instances where an internal focus may be desirable over an external focus, and the associated applied implications. Within the present review, we: (a) outline the most recent developments in attentional focus research; (b) evaluate similarities and differences between information processing and ecological dynamics explanations of the focus of attention effect; (c) provide practical recommendations; and (d) discuss future research avenues. In doing so, a case is made for an "Ecological Dynamics Account of Attentional Focus" to act as an alternative to information processing-based hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gottwald
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, United Kingdom
| | - Marianne Davies
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Owen
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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