1
|
Martín-Rodríguez A, Gostian-Ropotin LA, Beltrán-Velasco AI, Belando-Pedreño N, Simón JA, López-Mora C, Navarro-Jiménez E, Tornero-Aguilera JF, Clemente-Suárez VJ. Sporting Mind: The Interplay of Physical Activity and Psychological Health. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:37. [PMID: 38275986 PMCID: PMC10819297 DOI: 10.3390/sports12010037] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The symbiotic relationship between sports practice and psychological well-being has, in recent times, surged to the forefront of academic and public attention. The aim of this narrative review is to comprehensively explore the intricate pathways linking physical engagement in sports to its subsequent impacts on mental health and synthesize the multifarious effects of sports on psychological health, offering insights for integrating physical and psychological strategies to enhance well-being. From neurobiological underpinnings to therapeutic applications, this comprehensive manuscript provides an in-depth dive into the multifaceted world of sports and psychology. Highlighting evidence-based interventions, this review aspires to offer actionable insights for practitioners, athletes, and individuals alike, advocating for a holistic approach to mental well-being. This manuscript highlights the profound impact of sports on mental health, emphasizing its role in emotional regulation, resilience, cognitive function, and treating psychological conditions. It details how sports induce neurochemical changes, enhance brain functions like memory and learning, and aid against cognitive decline. This review also notes the benefits of regular exercise in mood improvement, stress management, and social skill enhancement, particularly when combined with mindfulness practices. It underscores the importance of considering cultural and gender perspectives in sports psychology, advocating for an integrated physical-psychological approach to promote overall well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Martín-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-R.); (L.A.G.-R.); (N.B.-P.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Laura Augusta Gostian-Ropotin
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-R.); (L.A.G.-R.); (N.B.-P.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | | | - Noelia Belando-Pedreño
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-R.); (L.A.G.-R.); (N.B.-P.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Juan Antonio Simón
- Department Ciencias Sociales Act Fis Deporte & Ocio, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Clara López-Mora
- Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Valencia, Pg. de l’Albereda, 7, 46010 València, Spain;
| | | | - José Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-R.); (L.A.G.-R.); (N.B.-P.); (J.F.T.-A.)
| | - Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez
- Faculty of Sports Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Tajo Street, s/n, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (A.M.-R.); (L.A.G.-R.); (N.B.-P.); (J.F.T.-A.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Cultura, Educación y Sociedad, Universidad de la Costa, Barranquilla 080002, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Perrone S, Rinaldi L, Gatti D, Girelli L. Temporal perception in closed-skill sports: An experimental study on expert swimmers and runners. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 69:102500. [PMID: 37665935 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The cognitive benefits of closed-skill sports practice have so far been scantily investigated. Here, we thus focused on the potential impact of swimming and running - two sports that highly rely on a precise control of timing - on time processing. To investigate the impact of these closed-skill sports on time perception and estimation, three groups of participants (for a total of eighty-four young adults) took part in the present study: expert swimmers, expert runners, and non-athletes. The ability to process temporal information in the milliseconds and seconds range was assessed through a time reproduction and a finger-tapping tasks, while a motor imagery paradigm was adopted to assess temporal estimation of sport performance in a wider interval range. We also employed the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire to assess the individual's ability of motor imagery. Results showed that closed-skill sports, specifically time-related disciplines, enhance motor imagery and time perception abilities. Swimmers were more accurate and consistent in perceiving time when compared to runners, probably thanks to the sensory muffled environment that leads these athletes to be more focused on the perception of their internal rhythm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Perrone
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Rinaldi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Cognitive Psychology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniele Gatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Girelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy; NeuroMI, Milan Center for Neuroscience, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Altın E, Okur N, Yalçın E, Eraçıkbaş AF, Aktan-Erciyes A. Relations Between L2 Proficiency and L1 Lexical Property Evaluations. Front Psychol 2022; 13:820702. [PMID: 35369194 PMCID: PMC8968421 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.820702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the relations between L2-English proficiency and L1-Turkish lexical property evaluations. We asked whether L2 proficiency affects lexical properties, including imageability and concreteness ratings of 600 Turkish words selected from the Word Frequency Dictionary of Written Turkish. Seventy-two participants (L1-Turkish - L2-English) provided ratings of concreteness and imageability for 600 words on a 7-point scale. In order to assess their L2 proficiency, we administered Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-IV (PPVT-IV). We divided categories into two subcategories as high and low for the frequency, concreteness, imageability, and age of acquisition (AoA). The relationship between these subcategories and imageability-concreteness was examined by mixed effects linear regression analyses. We found that L2 proficiency and imageability ratings were positively correlated and specifically, this positive association was evident for low-frequency words and later acquired words. Results are in line with the interaction of bilingual representation under the dual-coding theory which suggests that bilinguals develop an interconnected imaginal representation for two languages as opposed to separate verbal representations. As L2 proficiency increased, the imageability also increased. These findings have implications for literature investigating the relationship between L2 proficiency and linguistic outcomes. Additionally, findings point to the importance of considering the L2 proficiency of participants when lexical tasks that involve cue words or word lists are used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Altın
- Department of Psychology, Kadir Has University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Nurdem Okur
- Department of Psychology, Kadir Has University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Yalçın
- Department of Psychology, 29 Mayıs University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Aslı Aktan-Erciyes
- Department of Psychology, Kadir Has University, İstanbul, Turkey
- *Correspondence: Aslı Aktan-Erciyes,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ottonello M, Torselli E, Caneva S, Fiabane E, Vassallo C, Pistarini C. Mental Imagery Skills in Alcohol-Dependent Subjects and Their Associations With Cognitive Performance: An Exploratory Study During Residential Rehabilitation. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:741900. [PMID: 34912249 PMCID: PMC8666508 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.741900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
People in alcohol-detoxification experience deficits in motor and non-motor functions including cognitive performance. Imagery, the cognitive process of generating visual, auditory or kinesthetic experiences in the mind without the presence of external stimuli, has been little studied in Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). This pilot study aims to observe the cognitive abilities useful for the inspection, maintenance, generation and manipulation of images in these patients during residential rehabilitation and investigate the relationships with their cognitive performance. Thirty-six subjects who completed the 28-day rehabilitation program for alcohol addiction, completed the Mental Imagery Test (MIT) and Neuropsychological Battery (ENB-2). The global score at MIT did not show pathological scores. The 11.1% of AUD patients showed an impaired global score in the cognitive performance and the 5.7% with scoring at limits of norm. Significant correlations were found between Mental Imagery abilities and ENB-2 subscale and stepwise regression analysis showed the close association between the ability of imagery (Mental Imagery Test) and the overall cognitive performance (ENB-2) in alcohol dependent patients and this relationship is stronger than other cognitive tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Ottonello
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of Genova Nervi Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri Spa SB, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Torselli
- School of Psychotherapy, Miller Institute for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Caneva
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Fiabane
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of Genova Nervi Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri Spa SB, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudio Vassallo
- Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of Genova Nervi Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri Spa SB, Genoa, Italy
| | - Caterina Pistarini
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Medicine of Pavia Institute, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri, Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Spa SB, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sugino H, Ushiyama J. Gymnasts' Ability to Modulate Sensorimotor Rhythms During Kinesthetic Motor Imagery of Sports Non-specific Movements Superior to Non-gymnasts. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:757308. [PMID: 34805979 PMCID: PMC8600039 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.757308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous psychological studies using questionnaires have consistently reported that athletes have superior motor imagery ability, both for sports-specific and for sports-non-specific movements. However, regarding motor imagery of sports-non-specific movements, no physiological studies have demonstrated differences in neural activity between athletes and non-athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in sensorimotor rhythms during kinesthetic motor imagery (KMI) of sports-non-specific movements between gymnasts and non-gymnasts. We selected gymnasts as an example population because they are likely to have particularly superior motor imagery ability due to frequent usage of motor imagery, including KMI as part of daily practice. Healthy young participants (16 gymnasts and 16 non-gymnasts) performed repeated motor execution and KMI of sports-non-specific movements (wrist dorsiflexion and shoulder abduction of the dominant hand). Scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded over the contralateral sensorimotor cortex. During motor execution and KMI, sensorimotor EEG power is known to decrease in the α- (8–15 Hz) and β-bands (16–35 Hz), referred to as event-related desynchronization (ERD). We calculated the maximal peak of ERD both in the α- (αERDmax) and β-bands (βERDmax) as a measure of changes in corticospinal excitability. αERDmax was significantly greater in gymnasts, who subjectively evaluated their KMI as being more vivid in the psychological questionnaire. On the other hand, βERDmax was greater in gymnasts only for shoulder abduction KMI. These findings suggest gymnasts' signature of flexibly modulating sensorimotor rhythms with no movements, which may be the basis of their superior ability of KMI for sports-non-specific movements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Sugino
- Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Junichi Ushiyama
- Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University, Fujisawa, Japan.,Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Individual differences in mental imagery in different modalities and levels of intentionality. Mem Cognit 2021; 50:29-44. [PMID: 34462893 PMCID: PMC8763825 DOI: 10.3758/s13421-021-01209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Mental imagery is a highly common component of everyday cognitive functioning. While substantial progress is being made in clarifying this fundamental human function, much is still unclear or unknown. A more comprehensive account of mental imagery aspects would be gained by examining individual differences in age, sex, and background experience in an activity and their association with imagery in different modalities and intentionality levels. The current online study combined multiple imagery self-report measures in a sample (n = 279) with a substantial age range (18-65 years), aiming to identify whether age, sex, or background experience in sports, music, or video games were associated with aspects of imagery in the visual, auditory, or motor stimulus modality and voluntary or involuntary intentionality level. The findings show weak positive associations between age and increased vividness of voluntary auditory imagery and decreased involuntary musical imagery frequency, weak associations between being female and more vivid visual imagery, and relations of greater music and video game experience with higher involuntary musical imagery frequency. Moreover, all imagery stimulus modalities were associated with each other, for both intentionality levels, except involuntary musical imagery frequency, which was only related to higher voluntary auditory imagery vividness. These results replicate previous research but also contribute new insights, showing that individual differences in age, sex, and background experience are associated with various aspects of imagery such as modality, intentionality, vividness, and frequency. The study's findings can inform the growing domain of applications of mental imagery to clinical and pedagogical settings.
Collapse
|
7
|
Anton NE, Whiteside JA, Cha J, Perkins LA, Martin M, Stefanidis D. Characterizing robotic surgical expertise: An exploratory study of neural activation during mental imagery of robotic suturing. Am J Surg 2021; 222:1131-1138. [PMID: 33589243 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2021.02.002] [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: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental imagery (MI) aids skill acquisition, however, it is unclear to what extend MI is used by experienced surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess differences in MI of participants with varying surgical expertise in robotic surgery. METHODS Students, residents, and surgeons completed the Mental Imagery Questionnaire to assess MI for robotic suturing. Participants then completed robotic simulator tasks, and imagined performing robotic suturing while being assessed with electroencephalogram (EEG). RESULTS Attending surgeons reported higher MI for robotic suturing, and EEG revealed higher neural activation during imagery of robotic suturing than other groups. CONCLUSIONS Experienced surgeons displayed higher MI ability for robotic suturing, and displayed higher cortical activity in the frontal and parietal areas of the brain, which is associated with more advanced motor imagery. MI appears to be a component of robotic surgery expertise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Anton
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr., EH 111, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Jake A Whiteside
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr., EH 111, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Jackie Cha
- Purdue University School of Industrial Engineering, 610 Purdue Mall, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Louis A Perkins
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr., EH 111, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Marcel Martin
- Department of Surgery, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, QC, J1K 2R1, Canada.
| | - Dimitrios Stefanidis
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 545 Barnhill Dr., EH 111, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cuenca-Martínez F, Suso-Martí L, León-Hernández JV, La Touche R. Effects of movement representation techniques on motor learning of thumb-opposition tasks. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12267. [PMID: 32704155 PMCID: PMC7378061 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work is the first study that assess long run change after motor learning. The study’s main objective was to evaluate the short to medium-term impact of motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) on motor learning of a sequence of thumb-opposition tasks of increasing complexity. We randomly assigned 45 participants to an AO, MI, or placebo observation (PO) group. A sequence of 12 thumb-opposition tasks was taught for 3 consecutive days (4 per day). The primary outcome was accuracy. The secondary outcomes were required time and perfect positioning. The outcomes were assessed immediately after the intervention and at 1 week, 1 month and 4 months postintervention. Regarding the primary outcome, AO group had significantly higher accuracy than the MI or PO group until at least 4 months (p < 0.01, d > 0.80). However, in the bimanual positions, AO was not superior to MI at 1 week postintervention. Regarding secondary outcomes, AO group required less time than the MI group to remember and perform the left-hand and both-hand gestures, with a large effect size (p < 0.01, d > 0.80). In terms of percentage of perfect positions, AO group achieved significantly better results than the MI group until at least 4 months after the intervention in the unimanual gestures (p < 0.01, d > 0.80) and up to 1 month postintervention in the bimanual gestures (p = 0.012, d = 1.29). AO training resulted in greater and longer term motor learning than MI and placebo intervention. If the goal is to learn some motor skills for whatever reason (e.g., following surgery or immobilization.), AO training should be considered clinically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Cuenca-Martínez
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios CSEU La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios CSEU La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Suso-Martí
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios CSEU La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Physiotherapy, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Vicente León-Hernández
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios CSEU La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios CSEU La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Roy La Touche
- Departmento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios CSEU La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. .,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios CSEU La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. .,Instituto de Neurociencia y Dolor Craniofacial (INDCRAN), Madrid, Spain. .,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Di Corrado D, Guarnera M, Guerrera CS, Maldonato NM, Di Nuovo S, Castellano S, Coco M. Mental Imagery Skills in Competitive Young Athletes and Non-athletes. Front Psychol 2020; 11:633. [PMID: 32362857 PMCID: PMC7180224 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental imagery is a fully immersive multi-sensory procedure that associates as numerous senses to create a mental image and process it without the presence of external stimuli. In the sport situation, imagery has been designated as the state in which people imagine themselves while effecting abilities to deal with the forthcoming duty or improve performance. Methodical analyses have revealed that imagery increases performance in motor tasks. This study aims at observing not the vividness of image but the cognitive abilities useful for the inspection, maintenance, generation, and manipulation of dissimilar classes of images, investigating modifications in mental imagery skills in competitive athletes and non-athletes. Participants were competitive athletes (n = 48) and non-athletes (n = 48) between the ages of 8 and 13 years (M age = 10.50, SD = 1.73). The athletes had a minimum of 5 years of training skill in the sport. They completed the Mental Imagery Test (MIT). Competitive athletes showed higher scores on mental imagery skills than non-athletes. The study contributed to increase the exploration in the definite area of mental imagery, supplying an added support for the pluridimensional nature of mental imagery and for its practicality in motor and sport sciences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Guarnera
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University, Enna, Italy
| | | | - Nelson Mauro Maldonato
- Department of Neuroscience and Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Formative Processes, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Formative Processes, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marinella Coco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Commodari E, Guarnera M, Di Stefano A, Di Nuovo S. Children Learn to Read: How Visual Analysis and Mental Imagery Contribute to the Reading Performances at Different Stages of Reading Acquisition. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLINGUISTIC RESEARCH 2020; 49:59-72. [PMID: 31487031 DOI: 10.1007/s10936-019-09671-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Reading in alphabetic orthography requires analysis and recognition of specific attributes of visual stimuli, and generation, reactivation, and use of mental images of letters and words. This study evaluated the role of visual analysis and mental imagery in reading performances of students at different stages of reading acquisition. Reading "comprehension," "accuracy," and "speed," were analyzed. Participants were 90 children who attended primary school. Children were assessed in the first and third grade. The results highlighted that mental imagery and visual analysis influenced reading acquisition. These abilities are differently involved in the three dimensions of reading skill. The issues of this study have practical and educational applications. The early assessment of visual analysis and mental imagery skills and specific training on these abilities could contribute to facilitate reading acquisition. Strategies of intervention centered on visual imagery could increase reading performances in typically developing children and children at risk of learning difficulties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Commodari
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Teatro Greco, 84, 95124, Catania, Italy.
| | - Maria Guarnera
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, Cittadella Universitaria, 94100, Enna, Italy
| | | | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Teatro Greco, 84, 95124, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cuenca-Martínez F, Suso-Martí L, León-Hernández JV, La Touche R. The Role of Movement Representation Techniques in the Motor Learning Process: A Neurophysiological Hypothesis and a Narrative Review. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10010027. [PMID: 31906593 PMCID: PMC7016972 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We present a neurophysiological hypothesis for the role of motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) training in the motor learning process. The effects of movement representation in the brain and those of the cortical–subcortical networks related to planning, executing, adjusting, and automating real movements share a similar neurophysiological activity. Coupled with the influence of certain variables related to the movement representation process, this neurophysiological activity is a key component of the present hypothesis. These variables can be classified into four domains: physical, cognitive–evaluative, motivational–emotional, and direct-modulation. The neurophysiological activity underlying the creation and consolidation of mnemonic representations of motor gestures as a prerequisite to motor learning might differ between AO and MI. Together with variations in cognitive loads, these differences might explain the differing results in motor learning. The mirror neuron system appears to function more efficiently through AO training than MI, and AO is less demanding in terms of cognitive load than MI. AO might be less susceptible to the influence of variables related to movement representation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Cuenca-Martínez
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain; (J.V.L.-H.); (R.L.T.)
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-740-1980 (ext. 310)
| | - Luis Suso-Martí
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Physiotherapy, Cardenal Herrera University-CEU, CEU Universities, 46115 Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Vicente León-Hernández
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain; (J.V.L.-H.); (R.L.T.)
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Roy La Touche
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain; (J.V.L.-H.); (R.L.T.)
- Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28023 Madrid, Spain;
- Instituto de Neurociencia y Dolor Craneofacial (INDCRAN), 28008 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Daaloul H, Souissi N, Davenne D. Effects of Napping on Alertness, Cognitive, and Physical Outcomes of Karate Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019; 51:338-345. [PMID: 30239491 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It has been suggested that napping is the best recovery strategy for athletes. However, researches on the impacts of napping on athletic performances are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 30-min nap after a partial sleep deprivation, or a normal night condition, on alertness, fatigue, and cognitive and physical outcomes. METHODS Thirteen national-level male karate athletes were randomized to experience nap and no-nap conditions, after either a reference or a partial sleep deprivation night. The nap lasted 30 min at 1:00 PM. The postnap testing session started at 2:00 PM by quantifying subjective alertness and fatigue. Cognitive and physical performances were respectively measured before and after the karate-specific test (KST) by simple reaction time (SRT) test, lower reaction test (LRT), mental rotation test (MRT), squat jump (SJ), and counter movement jump (CMJ) tests. RESULTS After a reference night, the nap improved alertness and cognitive outcomes (SRT, LRT, and MRT). No effects on subjective fatigue and physical performances were found. After a partial-sleep deprivation, the nap restored subjective alertness and the decrement in performances caused by sleep loss in most of the tests (MRT, LRT, and KST), but no effects were observed in subjective fatigue and CMJ. After the fatigue induced by KST, there was an ergogenic effect of the nap on the physical performances (CMJ and SJ), and a partial psychogenic effect on the cognitive performances (LRT). CONCLUSIONS A 30-min nap enhances cognitive outcomes. It is also an effective strategy to overcome the cognitive and physical deteriorations in performances caused either by sleep loss or by fatigue induced by exhaustive trainings in the afternoon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Houda Daaloul
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, UMR 1075, COMETE, Caen, FRANCE
| | | | - Damien Davenne
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, UMR 1075, COMETE, Caen, FRANCE
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Di Corrado D, Guarnera M, Vitali F, Quartiroli A, Coco M. Imagery ability of elite level athletes from individual vs. team and contact vs. no-contact sports. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6940. [PMID: 31198627 PMCID: PMC6535038 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the sport context, imagery has been described as the condition in which persons imagine themselves while executing skills to deal with the upcoming task or enhance performance. Systematic reviews have shown that mental imagery improves performance in motor tasks Methods The aim of the present study was to explore whether imagery vividness (i.e., the clarity or realism of the imagery experience) and controllability (i.e., the ease and accuracy with which an image can be manipulated mentally) differ by sport types (team vs. individual and contact vs. non-contact). Participants were athletes from team contact and non-contact sports (rugby and volleyball, respectively), and individual contact and non-contact sports (karate and tennis, respectively) between the ages of 20 and 33 years (M = 24.37, SD = 2.85). The participants completed the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2, and the Mental Image Transformation Tasks. Results A 2 ×2 × 2 (gender × 2 contact-no-contact × 2 sport type) between groups MANOVA showed differences in imagery ability by sport type. Practical indications deriving from the findings of this study can help coaches and athletes to develop mental preparation programs using sport-specific imagery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesca Vitali
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine, and Movement, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quartiroli
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Marinella Coco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abraham A, Gose R, Schindler R, Nelson BH, Hackney ME. Dynamic Neuro-Cognitive Imagery (DNI TM) Improves Developpé Performance, Kinematics, and Mental Imagery Ability in University-Level Dance Students. Front Psychol 2019; 10:382. [PMID: 30881328 PMCID: PMC6407436 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dance requires optimal range-of-motion and cognitive abilities. Mental imagery is a recommended, yet under-researched, training method for enhancing both of these. This study investigated the effect of Dynamic Neuro-Cognitive Imagery (DNITM) training on developpé performance (measured by gesturing ankle height and self-reported observations) and kinematics (measured by hip and pelvic range-of-motion), as well as on dance imagery abilities. Thirty-four university-level dance students (M age = 19.70 ± 1.57) were measured performing three developpé tasks (i.e., 4 repetitions, 8 consecutive seconds hold, and single repetition) at three time-points (2 × pre-, 1 × post-intervention). Data were collected using three-dimensional motion capture, mental imagery questionnaires, and subjective reports. Following the DNITM intervention, significant increases (p < 0.01) were detected in gesturing ankle height, as well as in hip flexion and abduction range-of-motion, without significant changes in pelvic alignment. These gains were accompanied by self-reported decrease (p < 0.05) in level of difficulty experienced and significant improvements in kinesthetic (p < 0.05) and dance (p < 0.01) imagery abilities. This study provides evidence for the motor and non-motor benefits of DNITM training in university-level dance students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Abraham
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Rebecca Gose
- Department of Dance, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Ron Schindler
- Department of Mathematics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Bethany H. Nelson
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Education, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Madeleine E. Hackney
- Department of Medicine, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta VA Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Decatur, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Immunological Modulation in Long-Term Karate Practitioners. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:1654148. [PMID: 30046332 PMCID: PMC6038592 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1654148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Karate is a Japanese martial arts system with potential physical and psychological benefits. However, karate has been scarcely investigated from a psychobiological perspective, and its effects on the immune system remain virtually unknown. We designed the present study with the aim of analyzing the effects of karate practice on immunological parameters. 27 healthy male volunteer subjects participated in the study, 15 in the experimental group and 12 in the control. Experimental subjects were all karate players who had practiced this martial art for a minimum of three years attending regular lessons at a karate training center, in the evening, two to three days per week. Blood samples for the quantification of immunological parameters (total leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, IgG, IgA, and IgM) were taken in both groups. A t-test for independent groups was performed in each dependent variable; a value of p<0.05 was considered to be significant. Karate practitioners exhibited a significantly higher number of total leukocytes (p<0.02), monocytes (p<0.01), and lymphocytes (p<0.01), a higher percentage of monocytes (p<0.01), and greater serum concentrations of IgG (p<0.02) and IgM (p<0.01). Our findings show that long-term karate practice is related to a broad modulation of immune parameters, including total and specific leukocyte counts, as well as immunoglobulin concentrations. This peculiar immunomodulatory profile, apart from its psychobiological relevance, may have noteworthy clinical implications.
Collapse
|
16
|
Cuenca-Martínez F, Suso-Martí L, Grande-Alonso M, Paris-Alemany A, La Touche R. Combining motor imagery with action observation training does not lead to a greater autonomic nervous system response than motor imagery alone during simple and functional movements: a randomized controlled trial. PeerJ 2018; 6:e5142. [PMID: 30002975 PMCID: PMC6037142 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.5142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Both motor imagery (MI) and action observation (AO) trigger the activation of the neurocognitive mechanisms that underlie the planning and execution of voluntary movements in a manner that resembles how the action is performed in a real way. The main objective of the present study was to compare the autonomic nervous system (ANS) response in an isolated MI group compared to a combined MI + AO group. The mental tasks were based on two simple movements that are recorded in the revised movement imagery questionnaire in third-person perspective. The secondary objective of the study was to test if there was any relationship between the ANS variables and the ability to generate mental motor imagery, the mental chronometry and the level of physical activity. The main outcomes that were measured were heart rate, respiratory rate and electrodermal activity. A Biopac MP150 system, a measurement device of autonomic changes, was used for the quantification and evaluation of autonomic variables. Forty five asymptomatic subjects were selected and randomized in three groups: isolated MI, MI + AO and control group (CG). In regards to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), no differences were observed between MI and MI + AO groups (p > .05), although some differences were found between both groups when compared to the CG (p < .05). Additionally, even though no associations were reported between the ANS variables and the ability to generate mental motor imagery, moderate-strong positive associations were found in mental chronometry and the level of physical activity. Our results suggest that MI and MI + AO, lead to an activation of the SNS, although there are no significant differences between the two groups. Based on results obtained, we suggest that tasks of low complexity, providing a visual input through the AO does not facilitates their subsequent motor imagination. A higher level of physical activity as well as a longer time to perform mental task, seem to be associated with a greater increase in the ANS response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Cuenca-Martínez
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Suso-Martí
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Grande-Alonso
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Paris-Alemany
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Neurociencia y Dolor Craneofacial (INDCRAN), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roy La Touche
- Departamento de Fisioterapia, Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Motion in Brains Research Group, Institute of Neuroscience and Sciences of the Movement (INCIMOV), Centro Superior de Estudios Universitarios La Salle, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Neurociencia y Dolor Craneofacial (INDCRAN), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hepler TJ, Ritchie J, Hill CR. Within-person relationship between self-efficacy and performance across trials: effect of task objective and task type. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 2017; 58:1572-1581. [PMID: 28677945 DOI: 10.23736/s0022-4707.17.07634-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-efficacy has been shown to be a consistent, positive predictor of between-persons performance in sport. However, there have been equivocal results regarding the influence of self-efficacy on a person's performance over time. This study investigated the influence of self-efficacy on motor skill performance across trials with respect to two different task objectives and task types. METHODS Participants (N.=84) performed 4 blocks of 10 trials of a dart throwing (closed skill) and a hitting (open skill) task under 2 different task objectives: competitive and goal-striving. For the goal-striving condition, success was defined as reaching a predetermined performance level. The competitive condition involved competing against an opponent. RESULTS Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine the influence of past performance and self-efficacy on the within-person performance across multiple trials. Previous performance was negatively related with subsequent performance on all conditions. Self-efficacy was not a significant predictor of performance on any of the conditions. CONCLUSIONS While task objective and task type did not moderate the efficacy-performance relationship in the current study, it is important to consider the role of other moderators in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teri J Hepler
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, USA -
| | - Jason Ritchie
- Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Christopher R Hill
- Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the skills that constitute school readiness, such as linguistic, phonological, logical-mathematical and psychomotor skills, and mental imagery processes in preschool children. The participants were 100 healthy children (50 boys and 50 girls) aged four to five. Two batteries of tests were used to assess school readiness and different aspects of the mental imagery processes. The mental imagery battery measured mental imagery generation, inspection, and rotation of images. The results showed a relationship between the generation and inspection processes and the level of skills that constitute school readiness. These findings emphasize the potential usefulness of screening all preschoolers and kindergarteners for imagery ability, with the aim of adopting effective measures to increase their mental imagery abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Guarnera
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Enna "KORE," Enna, Italy
| | - Palmira Faraci
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, University of Enna "KORE," Enna, Italy
| | - Elena Commodari
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Vividness is one of the fundamental characteristics of visual mental imagery. The first research goal was to examine whether vividness that refer to imagery of pictorial object (color, texture, or shape) versus spatial (three dimensional structure, location, or mechanism) properties constitute separate vividness dimensions. The second goal was to develop a vividness questionnaire separately assessing dimensions of imagery vividness. In Study 1, 111 students (M age = 21.8 years, SD = 1.3) evaluated the vividness of imagery evoked by nine object and nine spatial items from the pilot version of the new Vividness of Object and Spatial Imagery (VOSI) questionnaire, completed a self-report assessment of object and spatial imagery, and rated their aptitudes in art and science. Analysis indicated that imagery vividness comprised object and spatial dimensions. Object vividness items were positively associated with the self-report measure and ratings of artistic abilities, whereas spatial vividness items were positively associated with self-report measure and ratings of science abilities. In Study 2, an independent sample of 205 students (M age = 21 years, SD = 1.7) completed the second version of the VOSI, art and science aptitude ratings, and a number of self-report and performance measures assessing object and spatial imagery. Object and spatial imagery vividness items loaded on factors with 28 retained items; this two-factor vividness model fit the data better than a unidimensional vividness model. The questionnaire had satisfactory Cronbach's α for object vividness scale (.88) and for spatial vividness scale (.85). Correlational analyses supported convergent and discriminative validity of the VOSI. While object imagery vividness and spatial imagery vividness share some underlying vividness variance, they are dissociated into separate dimensions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olesya Blazhenkova
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|