Kinesiology Commons^™

The Effects Of Attentional Focus Instructions On Approach Jump Performance, Hanwen Liu

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Introduction: Attentional focus is a crucial factor that impacts motor learning and performance. Instructions that direct performers’ attention externally (i.e., toward the effects of movements) have been shown to enhance performance compared to those that direct attention internally (i.e., toward the body’s movements). Research has also demonstrated that novices perform better when they are instructed to focus externally on the process of skill execution versus the outcome. However, this effect has not been tested in complex jumping skills that are important in many sports.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the effects of internally and externally directed …

The Effect Of Neuropriming And Focus Of Attention On Amateur Standing Long Jump Performance, Alexandra Mazza, Victoria Cimo, Kevin A. Valenzuela, Will Wu

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 15(1): 1472-1480, 2022. Non-invasive brain stimulation has been prominent in recent neurophysiology research. The use of brain stimulation has not been examined in combination with the focus of attention paradigm, an established motor control tool. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of both brain stimulation and focus of attention on the outcome performance, peak force, lower extremity joint kinematics, and projection angle of a standing long jump. Forty-one participants were assigned to either the brain stimulation group or placebo group via a counterbalance design based on leg length and jump …

Skilled Throwing Performance: A Test Of The Optimal Theory, Jacquelyn V.L. Sertic, Jason M. Avedesian, James W. Navalta

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 14(5): 358-368, 2021. The OPTIMAL theory of motor learning postulates that autonomy support (AS), enhanced expectancies (EE), and an external focus of attention (EF) facilitate improved motor learning and performance. However, its applicability to elite-level throwing athletes has not been investigated by previous literature. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the successive implementation of AS, EE, and EF factors on overhand throwing performance in elite collegiate softball athletes (14.44 ± 2.75 years of softball experience). The secondary purpose was to determine whether self-efficacy beliefs would be augmented by factor manipulation. Twenty-four participants …

Skilled Throwing Performance: A Test Of The Optimal Theory, Jacquelyn V.L. Sertic, Jason M. Avedesian, James W. Navalta

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Publications

The OPTIMAL theory of motor learning postulates that autonomy support (AS), enhanced expectancies (EE), and an external focus of attention (EF) facilitate improved motor learning and performance. However, its applicability to elite-level throwing athletes has not been investigated by previous literature. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the successive implementation of AS, EE, and EF factors on overhand throwing performance in elite collegiate softball athletes (14.44 ± 2.75 years of softball experience). The secondary purpose was to determine whether self-efficacy beliefs would be augmented by factor manipulation. Twenty-four participants threw softballs at a bullseye target during five …

Exploring The Effects Of Traditional And Expert-Derived Attentional Focus Cue Structures On Complex Skill Learning, Kaylee Woodard

Doctoral Dissertations

Instructions that direct attention externally have been shown to enhance motor performance. However, research on learning effects has produced mixed findings, particularly in skilled populations, and particularly when realistic instructional protocols have been used. Most studies have presented an overly simplistic view of attention, such that all-internal focus protocols are contrasted with all-external focus protocols. Expert performers, however, have reported adopting combined approaches, revealing the need for research to test more realistic instructions. The current project was a two-part study designed to investigate the effects of realistic focus instructions on performance and learning. Study 1 was an exploratory study of …

Motor Behavior Literature Fails To Translate: A Preliminary Investigation Into Coaching And Focus Of Attention In Recreational Distance Runners., Masahiro Yamada, Jed Diekfuss, Louisa Raisbeck

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 13(5): 789-801, 2020. The benefits of using an external focus relative to an internal focus for endurance activities are well documented. However, literature has revealed that internally focused instructions are predominantly adopted in the field, and existing data are limited to highly-skilled level populations. Moreover, athletes’ focus of attention during fatigue invoking activities is unknown. The purpose of the current study was to examine what type of feedback and instructions experienced recreational individuals receive and their self-adopted focus of attention when fatigued. Distance runners answered a questionnaire related to instruction and feedback from coaches and …

Effects Of Attentional Focus Cues On Soccer Trap Kinematics And Performance, Ladule Lako Losarah

Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this research was to assess how the kinematic performance of an inside of the foot soccer ball control movement changed with an internal, external, or holistic attentional focus coaching cue. The researchers used pendulum catapult to launch a soccer ball from 8.5 meters at the participant. Ten female active NCAA division 1 soccer players received one of three cues, or no cue, and then had five trials to control the ball onto an artificial turf mat to score 1-3 points depending on where the ball landed. Participants completed a manipulation check survey to ascertain the efficacy …

Practice Variability Promotes An External Focus Of Attention And Enhances Motor Skill Learning, Lee-Kuen Chua, Maria Katrina Dimapilis, Takehiro Iwatsuki, Reza Abdollahipour, Rebecca Lewthwaite, Gabriele Wulf

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences Faculty Publications

Variability in practice has been shown to enhance motor skill learning. Benefits of practice variability have been attributed to motor schema formation (variable versus constant practice), or more effortful information processing (random versus blocked practice). We hypothesized that, among other mechanisms, greater practice variability might promote an external focus of attention on the intended movement effect, while less variability would be more conducive to a less effective internal focus on body movements. In Experiment 1, the learning of a throwing task was enhanced by variable versus constant practice, and variable group participants reported focusing more on the distance to the …

The Relationship Between The Distance Of An External Focus Of Attention And Lower Body Power In Rugby Athletes, Donald Pump

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the relationship between the distance effect on power output during countermovement jumps in Rugby athletes. Hypothesis Testing was conducted utilizing a Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RM ANOVA) at a .05 significance level. A Pairwise comparison was conducted to determine if one variable had a greater amount of quantitative property. Statistical insignificance was determined after all data was analyzed Results were unable to show a positive relationship between the distance of an external focus of attention and lower body power output in rugby athletes.

Mindfulness And Affective Responses To Treadmill Walking In Individuals With Low Intrinsic Motivation To Exercise, Anne E. Cox, Madeline A. Roberts, Hailey L. Cates, Amanda K. Mcmahon

International Journal of Exercise Science

International Journal of Exercise Science 11(5): 609-624, 2018. An aversion to the sensations of physical exertion can deter engagement in physical activity. This is due in part to an associative focus in which individuals are attending to uncomfortable interoceptive cues. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of mindfulness on affective valence, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and enjoyment during treadmill walking. Participants (N=23; M_age=19.26, SD = 1.14) were only included in the study if they engaged in no more than moderate levels of physical activity and reported low levels of intrinsic motivation. …

Effects Of Attentional Focus On An Underhand Tossing Task Among Young Children, Amanda B. Seneri

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Research has shown that externally focused instruction and feedback has positive effects on skill acquisition and performance outcomes among adults (Wulf, 2007, 2013). However, in children, there are mixed findings as to whether an external or internal focus of attention is most effective (Chiviacowsky, Wulf, & Ávila, 2013; Emanuel, Jarus, & Bart, 2008; Perreault, 2013; Thorn, 2006; Wulf, Chiviacowsky, Schiller, & Ávila, 2010). Currently, there is a gap in the attentional focus literature and a need to research young children, under the age of eight, whose cognitive development is not as matured as older children or adults (Gallagher & Thomas, …

The Effect Of Attentional Focus Instructions On Golf Swing Performance In Recreational Golfers, Jeffrey D. Eggleston

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Previous research has addressed the effectiveness of attentional focus instructions in improving golf performance with a single training session. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of external (EF) attentional focus instructions on recreational golfers’ performance over a distributed training period and extended retention interval. Performance was measured by club head velocity (CHV) and X-factor as both have been correlated with greater performance. The current study extends the work of An, Wulf, and Kim (2013), by increasing the training period and retention interval. It was hypothesized EF group would have greater CHV and X-factor measurements during …