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Rowe JM, Boe SG. Unlike overt movement, motor imagery cannot update internal models. Brain Cogn 2024; 181:106219. [PMID: 39241457 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandc.2024.106219] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
In overt movement, internal models make predictions about the sensory consequences of a desired movement, generating the appropriate motor commands to achieve that movement. Using available sensory feedback, internal models are updated to allow for movement adaptation and in-turn better performance. Whether internal models are updated during motor imagery, the mental rehearsal of movement, is not well established. To investigate internal modelling during motor imagery, 66 participants were exposed to a leftwards prism shift while performing actual pointing movements (physical practice; PP), imagined pointing movements (motor imagery; MI), or no pointing movements (control). If motor imagery updates internal models, we hypothesized that aftereffects (pointing in the direction opposite the prism shift) would be observed in MI, like that of PP, and unlike that of control. After prism exposure, the magnitude of aftereffects was significant in PP (4.73° ± 1.56°), but not in MI (0.34° ± 0.96°) and control (0.34° ± 1.04°). Accordingly, PP differed significantly from MI and control. Our results show that motor imagery does not update internal models, suggesting that it is not a direct simulation of overt movement. Furthering our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie learning through motor imagery will lead to more effective applications of motor imagery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet M Rowe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Shaun G Boe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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2
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Frank C, Kraeutner SN, Rieger M, Boe SG. Learning motor actions via imagery-perceptual or motor learning? PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2024; 88:1820-1832. [PMID: 36680584 PMCID: PMC11315805 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01787-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It is well accepted that repeatedly imagining oneself acting without any overt behavior can lead to learning. The prominent theory accounting for why imagery practice is effective, motor simulation theory, posits that imagined action and overt action are functionally equivalent, the exception being activation of the end effector. If, as motor simulation theory states, one can compile the goal, plan, motor program and outcome of an action during imagined action similar to overt action, then learning of novel skills via imagery should proceed in a manner equivalent to that of overt action. While the evidence on motor simulation theory is both plentiful and diverse, it does not explicitly account for differences in neural and behavioural findings between imagined and overt action. In this position paper, we briefly review theoretical accounts to date and present a perceptual-cognitive theory that accounts for often observed outcomes of imagery practice. We suggest that learning by way of imagery reflects perceptual-cognitive scaffolding, and that this 'perceptual' learning transfers into 'motor' learning (or not) depending on various factors. Based on this theory, we characterize consistently reported learning effects that occur with imagery practice, against the background of well-known physical practice effects and show that perceptual-cognitive scaffolding is well-suited to explain what is being learnt during imagery practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Frank
- Department of Sports and Movement Science, School of Educational and Cultural Studies, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Sarah N Kraeutner
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, Kelowna, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Martina Rieger
- Institute for Psychology, UMIT Tirol - Private University for Health Sciences and Health Technology, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Shaun G Boe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, School of Physiotherapy, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
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3
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Philips R, Baeken C, Billieux J, Harris JM, Maurage P, Muela I, Öz İT, Pabst A, Sescousse G, Vögele C, Brevers D. Brain mechanisms discriminating enactive mental simulations of running and plogging. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26807. [PMID: 39185739 PMCID: PMC11345703 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Enactive cognition emphasizes co-constructive roles of humans and their environment in shaping cognitive processes. It is specifically engaged in the mental simulation of behaviors, enhancing the connection between perception and action. Here we investigated the core network of brain regions involved in enactive cognition as applied to mental simulations of physical exercise. We used a neuroimaging paradigm in which participants (N = 103) were required to project themselves running or plogging (running while picking-up litter) along an image-guided naturalistic trail. Using both univariate and multivariate brain imaging analyses, we find that a broad spectrum of brain activation discriminates between the mental simulation of plogging versus running. Critically, we show that self-reported ratings of daily life running engagement and the quality of mental simulation (how well participants were able to imagine themselves running) modulate the brain reactivity to plogging versus running. Finally, we undertook functional connectivity analyses centered on the insular cortex, which is a key region in the dynamic interplay between neurocognitive processes. This analysis revealed increased positive and negative patterns of insular-centered functional connectivity in the plogging condition (as compared to the running condition), thereby confirming the key role of the insular cortex in action simulation involving complex sets of mental mechanisms. Taken together, the present findings provide new insights into the brain networks involved in the enactive mental simulation of physical exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Philips
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Health and BehaviourUniversity of LuxembourgEsch‐sur‐AlzetteLuxembourg
| | - Chris Baeken
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity Hospital, UZ BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University HospitalGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Department of Electrical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of PsychologyUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
- Centre for Excessive Gambling, Addiction MedicineLausanne University Hospitals (CHUV)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - James Madog Harris
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Health and BehaviourUniversity of LuxembourgEsch‐sur‐AlzetteLuxembourg
| | - Pierre Maurage
- Louvain Experimental Psychopathology Research Group (LEP)Psychological Sciences Research Institute, UCLouvainLouvain‐la‐NeuveBelgium
| | - Ismael Muela
- Department of Experimental Psychology; Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC)University of GranadaGranadaSpain
| | - İrem Tuğçe Öz
- Louvain Experimental Psychopathology Research Group (LEP)Psychological Sciences Research Institute, UCLouvainLouvain‐la‐NeuveBelgium
| | - Arthur Pabst
- Louvain Experimental Psychopathology Research Group (LEP)Psychological Sciences Research Institute, UCLouvainLouvain‐la‐NeuveBelgium
| | - Guillaume Sescousse
- Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, INSERM U1028, CNRS UMR5292, PSYR2 TeamUniversity of LyonLyonFrance
| | - Claus Vögele
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Health and BehaviourUniversity of LuxembourgEsch‐sur‐AlzetteLuxembourg
| | - Damien Brevers
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Health and BehaviourUniversity of LuxembourgEsch‐sur‐AlzetteLuxembourg
- Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University HospitalGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
- Louvain Experimental Psychopathology Research Group (LEP)Psychological Sciences Research Institute, UCLouvainLouvain‐la‐NeuveBelgium
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Carson RG, Hayward KS. Using mechanistic knowledge to appraise contemporary approaches to the rehabilitation of upper limb function following stroke. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 39129269 DOI: 10.1113/jp285559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
It is a paradox of neurological rehabilitation that, in an era in which preclinical models have produced significant advances in our mechanistic understanding of neural plasticity, there is inadequate support for many therapies recommended for use in clinical practice. When the goal is to estimate the probability that a specific form of therapy will have a positive clinical effect, the integration of mechanistic knowledge (concerning 'the structure or way of working of the parts in a natural system') may improve the quality of inference. This is illustrated by analysis of three contemporary approaches to the rehabilitation of lateralized dysfunction affecting people living with stroke: constraint-induced movement therapy; mental practice; and mirror therapy. Damage to 'cross-road' regions of the structural (white matter) brain connectome generates deficits that span multiple domains (motor, language, attention and verbal/spatial memory). The structural integrity of these regions determines not only the initial functional status, but also the response to therapy. As structural disconnection constrains the recovery of functional capability, 'disconnectome' modelling provides a basis for personalized prognosis and precision rehabilitation. It is now feasible to refer a lesion delineated using a standard clinical scan to a (dis)connectivity atlas derived from the brains of other stroke survivors. As the individual disconnection pattern thus obtained suggests the functional domains most likely be compromised, a therapeutic regimen can be tailored accordingly. Stroke is a complex disorder that burdens individuals with distinct constellations of brain damage. Mechanistic knowledge is indispensable when seeking to ameliorate the behavioural impairments to which such damage gives rise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Carson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathryn S Hayward
- Departments of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- The Florey, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Çiftçi MC, Yılmaz B. The effect of action observation and motor imagery on jumping and perceived performance. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1362976. [PMID: 39045444 PMCID: PMC11263293 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1362976] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) are cognitive processes that involve mentally rehearsing and simulating movements without physically performing them. However, the need for the evidence to support influence of imagery on performance is increasing. This study aims to investigate the impact of combining motor imagery with action observation on athletes' performance and performance perception. Method Using a pre-test post-test design with a factorial setup, participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. A pre-research power analysis determined the sample size, resulting in 21 voluntary participants (10 male). Opto Jump device recorded drop jump performance measurements, while participants predicted their performance post-motor imagery and action observation practices. The experimental group underwent an 8-week AOMI intervention program, involving 24-minute motor imagery sessions during video observation thrice weekly. Post-test measurements were taken after the intervention. Results Results indicated no significant performance increase in the experimental group post-intervention, yet the group showed enhanced performance estimation following the video observation, but not in motor imagery condition. Conversely, this improvement was absent in the control group. Discussion Although AOMI intervention didn't enhance physical performance, it has positively affected athletes' perception toward their performance. The findings are discussed in relation to existing literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Cihat Çiftçi
- Faculty of Sport Science, Department of Sports Management, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Jessey TB, Lin B, Subramanium SV, Kraeutner SN. Disrupting somatosensory processing impairs motor execution but not motor imagery. Hum Mov Sci 2023; 90:103101. [PMID: 37247540 DOI: 10.1016/j.humov.2023.103101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
While motor imagery (MI) is thought to be 'functionally equivalent' with motor execution (ME), the equivalence of feedforward and feedback mechanisms between the two modalities is unexplored. Here, we tested the equivalence of these mechanisms between MI and ME via two experiments designed to probe the role of somatosensory processing (Exp 1), and cognitive processing (Exp 2). All participants were engaged in a previously established force-matching task adapted for MI. A reference force was applied (on scale of 1-10, with higher numbers indicative of greater force) to one index finger while participants matched the force with their opposite index finger via ME or MI (control conditions). Participants then rated the force on the same scale of 1-10. Exp 1: Participants (N = 27) performed the task with tactile stimulation (ME+TAC, MI+TAC) in addition to control conditions. Exp 2: Participants (N = 26) performed the task in dual-task conditions (ME+COG, MI+COG) in addition to control conditions. Results indicate that (Exp 1) tactile stimulation impaired performance in ME but not MI. Dual-task conditions (Exp 2) were not shown to impair performance in either practice modality. Findings suggest that while somatosensory processing is critical for ME, it is not for MI. Overall we indicate a functional equivalence between feedforward/back mechanisms in MI and ME may not exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarri B Jessey
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Beier Lin
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Soumyaa V Subramanium
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah N Kraeutner
- Neuroplasticity, Imagery, and Motor Behaviour Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, Kelowna V1V1V7, British Columbia, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T1Z3, British Columbia, Canada.
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Chye S, Valappil AC, Wright DJ, Frank C, Shearer DA, Tyler CJ, Diss CE, Mian OS, Tillin NA, Bruton AM. The effects of combined action observation and motor imagery on corticospinal excitability and movement outcomes: Two meta-analyses. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104911. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Modality of Practice Modulates Resting State Connectivity During Motor Learning. Neurosci Lett 2022; 781:136659. [PMID: 35483502 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136659] [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: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
When bookending skilled motor practice, changes in resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI; used to characterise synchronized patterns of activity when the brain is at rest) reflect functional reorganization that supports motor memory consolidation and learning. Despite its use in practice in numerous domains, the neural mechanisms underlying motor memory consolidation and learning that result from motor imagery practice (MIP) relative to physical practice are not well understood. The current study examined how rs-fMRI is modulated by skilled motor practice that results through either MIP or physical practice. Two groups of participants engaged in five days of MIP or physical practice of a dart throwing task. Performance and rs-fMRI were captured before and after training. Relative to physical practice, where focal changes in rs-fMRI within a cerebellar-cortical network were observed, MIP stimulated widespread changes in rs-fMRI within a frontoparietal network encompassing bilateral regions. Findings indicate that functional reorganization that supports motor memory consolidation and learning is not equivalent across practice modality. Ultimately, this work provides new information regarding the unique neural underpinnings MIP relies on to drive motor memory consolidation and learning.
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9
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Acquisition and consolidation processes following motor imagery practice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2295. [PMID: 33504870 PMCID: PMC7840673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81994-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It well-known that mental training improves skill performance. Here, we evaluated skill acquisition and consolidation after physical or motor imagery practice, by means of an arm pointing task requiring speed-accuracy trade-off. In the main experiment, we showed a significant enhancement of skill after both practices (72 training trials), with a better acquisition after physical practice. Interestingly, we found a positive impact of the passage of time (+ 6 h post training) on skill consolidation for the motor imagery training only, without any effect of sleep (+ 24 h post training) for none of the interventions. In a control experiment, we matched the gain in skill learning after physical training (new group) with that obtained after motor imagery training (main experiment) to evaluate skill consolidation after the same amount of learning. Skill performance in this control group deteriorated with the passage of time and sleep. In another control experiment, we increased the number of imagined trials (n = 100, new group) to compare the acquisition and consolidation processes of this group with that observed in the motor imagery group of the main experiment. We did not find significant differences between the two groups. These findings suggest that physical and motor imagery practice drive skill learning through different acquisition and consolidation processes.
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10
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Kraeutner SN, McArthur JL, Kraeutner PH, Westwood DA, Boe SG. Leveraging the effector independent nature of motor imagery when it is paired with physical practice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21335. [PMID: 33288785 PMCID: PMC7721807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78120-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
While considered analogous to physical practice, the nature of imagery-based skill acquisition—specifically whether or not both effector independent and dependent encoding occurs through motor imagery—is not well understood. Here, motor imagery-based training was applied prior to or after physical practice-based training to probe the nature of imagery-based skill acquisition. Three groups of participants (N = 38) engaged in 10 days of training of a dart throwing task: 5 days of motor imagery prior to physical practice (MIP-PP), motor imagery following physical practice (PP-MIP), or physical practice only (PP-PP). Performance-related outcomes were assessed throughout. Brain activity was measured at three time points using fMRI (pre/mid/post-training; MIP-PP and PP-MIP groups). In contrast with physical practice, motor imagery led to changes in global versus specific aspects of the movement. Following 10 days of training, performance was greater when motor imagery preceded physical practice, although remained inferior to performance resulting from physical practice alone. Greater activation of regions that support effector dependent encoding was observed mid-, but not post-training for the PP-MIP group. Findings indicate that changes driven by motor imagery reflect effector independent encoding, providing new information regarding how motor imagery may be leveraged for skill acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Kraeutner
- Brain Behaviour Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada.,Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Jennifer L McArthur
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R1, Canada
| | - Paul H Kraeutner
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R1, Canada
| | - David A Westwood
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada.,School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada
| | - Shaun G Boe
- Laboratory for Brain Recovery and Function, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R1, Canada. .,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada. .,School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada. .,School of Physiotherapy, Dalhousie University, Rm 407, 4th Floor Forrest Building, 5869 University Avenue, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H4R2, Canada.
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Hirao T, Masaki H. The Effects of Computer-Based and Motor-Imagery Training on Scoring Ability in Lacrosse. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1588. [PMID: 32848992 PMCID: PMC7406689 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have confirmed that the temporal attentional control created by the repetition of stimulus–response compatibility (SRC) tasks was transferred to shooting skills in lacrosse players. In the current study, we investigated whether combining motor imagery training with SRC tasks could enhance the scoring ability of lacrosse players. We grouped 33 male lacrosse players into three groups: an SRC task and motor imagery group (referred as to SRC + Image), an SRC task group, and a control group. Players in the first two groups underwent five sessions of 200 SRC task trials. In addition, the SRC + Image group completed five sessions of motor-imagery training. The control group underwent no training interventions. All three groups performed a lacrosse shooting test and a Simon task before and after training sessions to assess the magnitude of the interference effects of the various types of training they underwent. The results of the Simon task showed that repetition of 1,000 trials was enough to create a short-term representation with the incompatible special mapping being transferred to a dynamic activity like lacrosse shooting. Moreover, a combination of a computer-based Type 2 task and motor-imagery training could effectively increase players’ scoring abilities in a field of large spatial conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Hirao
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Masaki
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Japan
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