Do the physical and environment PETTLEP elements predict sport imagery ability?

Efecto de un programa de práctica imaginada sobre la autoconfianza de futbolistas

Objetivo. Establecer el efecto de un programa de intervención en práctica imaginada, entendida como el uso de los sentidos para la creación o recreación de imágenes o experiencias y atribuirles significado, sobre la autoconfianza de los futbolistas. Método. Participaron 17 futbolistas hombres, 9 en el grupo intervención y 8 en el grupo control, entre los 18 y los 25 años (M = 21, DE = 2.2). La intervención se desarrolló durante 8 sesiones y se basó en el modelo PETTLEP. Se midió la habilidad de imaginería a través del SIAQ y la autoconfianza con la prueba TSCI. Resultados. Los participantes mostraron un efecto de interacción en la habilidad de imaginería (F (1, 15) = 4.57, p < 0.05, ηp2 = 0.23), mientras que para la autoconfianza solo se estableció un efecto principal en los grupos intervención y control (F (1, 15) = 6.13, p < 0.05, ηp2 =.29). Adicionalmente, se observó una correlación positiva alta entre imaginería y autoconfianza (r(8) = 0.79, p < 0.05). Conclusión. Se obtuvo un efecto positivo tras la intervención en práctica imaginada en la habilidad de imaginería, lo cual es un avance significativo para la aplicación de la práctica imaginada en deportes de conjunto, como el fútbol.

Effect of Video Observation and Motor Imagery on Simple Reaction Time in Cadet Pilots

Neuromotor training can improve motor performance in athletes and patients. However, few data are available about their effect on reaction time (RT). We investigated the influence of video observation/motor imagery (VO/MI) on simple RT to visual and auditory stimuli. The experimental group comprised 21 cadets who performed VO/MI training over 4 weeks. Nineteen cadets completed a sham intervention as control. The main outcome measure was RT to auditory and visual stimuli for the upper and lower limbs. The RT to auditory stimuli improved significantly post-intervention in both groups (control vs. experimental mean change for upper limbs: -40 ms vs. -40 ms, p = 0.0008; for lower limbs: -50 ms vs. -30 ms, p = 0.0174). A trend towards reduced RT to visual stimuli was observed (for upper limbs: -30 ms vs. -20 ms, p = 0.0876; for lower limbs: -30 ms vs. -20 ms, p = 0.0675). The interaction term was not significant. Only the specific VO/MI training produced a linear correlation between the improvement in the RT to auditory and visual stimuli for the upper (r = 0.703) and lower limbs (r = 0.473). In conclusion, VO/MI training does not improve RT when compared to control, but it may be useful in individuals who need to simultaneously develop a fast response to different types of stimuli.

The Effects of Computer-Based and Motor-Imagery Training on Scoring Ability in Lacrosse

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.

The Influence of Caffeine Expectancies on Sport, Exercise, and Cognitive Performance

Caffeine (CAF) is widely consumed across sport and exercise for its reputed ergogenic properties, including central nervous stimulation and enhanced muscular force development. However, expectancy and the related psychological permutations that are associated with oral CAF ingestion are generally not considered in most experimental designs and these could be important in understanding if/how CAF elicits an ergogenic effect. The present paper reviews 17 intervention studies across sport, exercise, and cognitive performance. All explore CAF expectancies, in conjunction with/without CAF pharmacology. Thirteen out of 17 studies indicated expectancy effects of varying magnitudes across a range of exercise tasks and cognitive skills inclusive off but not limited to; endurance capacity, weightlifting performance, simple reaction time and memory. Factors, such as motivation, belief, and habitual CAF consumption habits influenced the response. In many instances, these effects were comparable to CAF pharmacology. Given these findings and the lack of consistency in the experimental design, future research acknowledging factors, such as habitual CAF consumption habits, habituated expectations, and the importance of subjective post-hoc analysis will help to advance knowledge within this area.