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Murphy CP, Runswick OR, Gredin NV, Broadbent DP. The effect of task load, information reliability and interdependency on anticipation performance. Cogn Res Princ Implic 2024; 9:22. [PMID: 38616234 PMCID: PMC11016527 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-024-00548-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In sport, coaches often explicitly provide athletes with stable contextual information related to opponent action preferences to enhance anticipation performance. This information can be dependent on, or independent of, dynamic contextual information that only emerges during the sequence of play (e.g. opponent positioning). The interdependency between contextual information sources, and the associated cognitive demands of integrating information sources during anticipation, has not yet been systematically examined. We used a temporal occlusion paradigm to alter the reliability of contextual and kinematic information during the early, mid- and final phases of a two-versus-two soccer anticipation task. A dual-task paradigm was incorporated to investigate the impact of task load on skilled soccer players' ability to integrate information and update their judgements in each phase. Across conditions, participants received no contextual information (control) or stable contextual information (opponent preferences) that was dependent on, or independent of, dynamic contextual information (opponent positioning). As predicted, participants used reliable contextual and kinematic information to enhance anticipation. Further exploratory analysis suggested that increased task load detrimentally affected anticipation accuracy but only when both reliable contextual and kinematic information were available for integration in the final phase. This effect was observed irrespective of whether the stable contextual information was dependent on, or independent of, dynamic contextual information. Findings suggest that updating anticipatory judgements in the final phase of a sequence of play based on the integration of reliable contextual and kinematic information requires cognitive resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm P Murphy
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, CF23 6XD, UK.
- Faculty of Sport, Technology and Health Sciences, St. Mary's University, Twickenham, UK.
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - N Viktor Gredin
- School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - David P Broadbent
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
- Centre for Sport Research, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia
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2
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Runswick OR, Roebuck H. The effects of internal representations on performance and fluidity in a motor task. Psychol Res 2024; 88:803-814. [PMID: 38214775 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-023-01912-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Individuals can differ in the mode in which they experience conscious thought. These differences in visualisation and verbalisation can also be evident during motor control. The Internal Representation Questionnaire (IRQ) was developed to measure propensity to engage certain types of representations, but its ability to predict motor control and links to reinvestment and motor imagery have not been tested. 159 included participants completed the IRQ, movement specific reinvestment scale (MSRS), and a novel online motor task before and after a period of practice. Results showed that the IRQ Verbal and Orthographic factors were significant predictors of scores on the MSRS. The IRQ factor of Manipulational Representations predicted motor performance both before and after practice. The fluidity of executed movements were predicted by the IRQ verbalisation factor where higher propensity to verbalise was associated with higher levels of jitter, but only after a period of practice. Results suggest there may be some informative conceptual overlap between internal verbalisations and reinvestment and that the propensity to manipulate internal representations may be predictive of motor performance in new tasks. The IRQ has potential to be a valuable tool for predicting motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK.
| | - Hettie Roebuck
- School of Psychology, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK
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3
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Ramji AV, Runswick OR, Dommett EJ. Exercise Dependency and Overuse Injuries in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. J Nerv Ment Dis 2024; 212:190-195. [PMID: 38412245 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition, but current medications have limitations, pushing a drive for alternative approaches. Different exercise-focused approaches have shown promise, but concern has also been raised about individuals with ADHD showing greater risk of addiction, including exercise dependency. Using an online survey, we examined current exercise practices, including exercise dependency and the presence of overuse injury, which could result from overexercising, in 114 adults with ADHD. We found that most were regularly exercising. None were classified as exercise dependent, but 38.9% were deemed symptomatic nondependent. Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were a predictor of the level of exercise withdrawal experienced, and the co-occurrence of autism spectrum disorder was associated with greater risk of overuse injuries. The data indicate that ADHD may confer some greater risk of exercise dependency, aligning with previous studies investigating other addictions and suggesting further research is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha V Ramji
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
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4
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Hope ER, Patel K, Feist J, Runswick OR, North JS. Examining the importance of local and global patterns for familiarity detection in soccer action sequences. Perception 2024; 53:149-162. [PMID: 38200709 PMCID: PMC10858626 DOI: 10.1177/03010066231223825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Pattern recognition is a defining characteristic of expertise across multiple domains. Given the dynamic interactions at local and global levels, team sports can provide a vehicle for investigating skilled pattern recognition. The aims of this study were to investigate whether global patterns could be recognised on the basis of localised relational information and if relations between certain display features were more important than others for successful pattern recognition. Elite (n = 20), skilled (n = 34) and less-skilled (n = 37) soccer players completed three recognition paradigms of stimuli presented in point-light format across three counterbalanced conditions: 'whole-part'; 'part-whole'; and 'whole-whole'. 'Whole' clips represented a 11 vs. 11 soccer match and 'part' clips presented the same passages of play with only two central attacking players or two peripheral players shown. Elite players recognised significantly more accurately than the skilled and less-skilled groups. Participants were significantly more accurate in the 'whole-whole' condition compared to others, and recognised stimuli featuring the two central attacking players significantly more accurately than those featuring peripheral players. Findings provide evidence that elite players can encode localised relations and then extrapolate this information to recognise more global macro patterns.
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5
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Maule JJ, Maguire R, Timmis MA, Runswick OR, Wilkins L, Mann DL, Dain SJ, Bosten JM, Allen PM. Difficult at dusk? Illuminating the debate on cricket ball visibility. J Sci Med Sport 2024:S1440-2440(24)00052-5. [PMID: 38423830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigate the visibility of new and old red, white and pink cricket balls under lighting and background conditions experienced during a day-night cricket match. DESIGN We modelled the luminance contrast signals available for a typical observer for a ball against backgrounds in a professional cricket ground, at different times of day. METHODS Spectral reflectance (light reflected as a function of wavelength) was derived from laboratory measurements of new and old red, white and pink balls. We also gathered spectral measurements from backgrounds (pitch, grass, sightscreens, crowd, sky) and spectral illuminance during a day-night match (natural afternoon light, through dusk to night under floodlights) from Lord's Cricket Ground (London, UK). The luminance contrast of the ball relative to the background was calculated for each combination of ball, time of day, and background surface. RESULTS Old red and old pink balls may offer little or no contrast against the grass, pitch and crowd. New pink balls can also be of low contrast against the crowd at dusk, as can pink and white balls (of any age) against the sky at dusk. CONCLUSIONS Reports of difficulties with visibility of the pink ball are supported by our data. However, our modelling also shows that difficulties with visibility may also be expected under certain circumstances for red and white balls. The variable conditions in a cricket ground and the changing colour of an ageing ball make maintaining good visibility of the ball a challenge when playing day-night matches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Maguire
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
| | - Matthew A Timmis
- Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Luke Wilkins
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition (SPAN) Research Group, La Trobe University, Australia
| | - David L Mann
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences and Institute of Brain and Behaviour Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stephen J Dain
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Peter M Allen
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
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Marshall T, Runswick OR, Broadbent DP. "What we talk about is creating a probability": Exploring the interaction between the anticipation and decision-making processes of professional bowlers and batters in Twenty20 cricket. Psychol Sport Exerc 2024; 70:102543. [PMID: 37778404 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Expert performers in time constrained sports use a range of information sources to facilitate anticipatory and decision-making processes. However, research has often focused on responders such as batters, goalkeepers, defenders, and returners of serve, and failed to capture the complex interaction between opponents, where responders can also manipulate probabilities in their favour. This investigation aimed to explore the interaction between top order batters and fast or medium paced bowlers in cricket and the information they use to inform their anticipatory and decision-making skills in Twenty20 competition. Eleven professional cricketers were interviewed (8 batters and 3 bowlers) using semi-structured questions and scenarios from Twenty20 matches. An inductive and deductive thematic analysis was conducted using the overarching themes of Situation Awareness (SA) and Option Awareness (OA). Within SA, the sub-themes identified related to information sources used by bowlers and batters (i.e., stable contextual information, dynamic contextual information, kinematic information). Within OA, the sub-themes identified highlighted how cricketers use these information sources to understand the options available and the likelihood of success associated with each option (e.g., risk and reward, personal strengths). A sub-theme of 'responder manipulation' was also identified within OA to provide insight into how batters and bowlers interact in a cat-and-mouse like manner to generate options that manipulate one another throughout the competition. A schematic has been developed based on the study findings to illustrate the complex interaction between the anticipation and decision-making processes of professional top order batters and fast or medium paced bowlers in Twenty20 cricket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Marshall
- Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David P Broadbent
- Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, United Kingdom; Centre for Sport Research, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
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Sharpe BT, Smith MS, Williams SCR, Talbot J, Runswick OR, Smith J. An expert-novice comparison of lifeguard specific vigilance performance. J Safety Res 2023; 87:416-430. [PMID: 38081714 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lifeguards must maintain alertness and monitor an aquatic space across extended periods. However, lifeguard research has yet to investigate a lifeguard's ability to maintain performance over time and whether this is influenced by years of certified experience or the detection difficulty of a drowning incident. The aim of this study was to examine whether lifeguard experience, drowning duration, bather number, and time on task influences drowning detection performance. METHOD A total of 30 participants took part in nine 60-minute lifeguard specific tasks that included 11 drowning events occurring at five-minute intervals. Each task had manipulated conditions that acted as the independent variables, including bather number and drowning duration. RESULTS The experienced group detected a greater number of drowning events per task, compared to novice and naïve groups. Findings further highlighted that time, bather number, and drowning duration has a substantial influence on lifeguard specific drowning detection performance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS It is hoped that the outcome of the study will have applied application in highlighting the critical need for lifeguard organizations to be aware of a lifeguard's capacity to sustain attention, and for researchers to explore methods for minimizing any decrement in vigilance performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin T Sharpe
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK; Institute of Psychology, Business and Human Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK.
| | - Marcus S Smith
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Steven C R Williams
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jo Talbot
- Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), UK
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jenny Smith
- Institute of Sport, Nursing and Allied Health, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
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8
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Runswick OR. Player Perceptions of Face Validity and Fidelity in 360-Video and Virtual Reality Cricket. J Sport Exerc Psychol 2023; 45:347-354. [PMID: 37935172 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2023-0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) and 360° video can provide new opportunities for testing and training in sport. Both options offer different benefits in terms of efficacy for training, ease of use, and cost. This creates questions about the implementation of immersive technologies, and research is required to further understand their use. We aimed to gain initial evidence of athletes' perceptions of face validity and fidelity in VR and 360-video. Thirty-nine international pathway cricketers experienced five overs in VR cricket and in a 360-video recording. After trying each technology, players completed questionnaires to measure perceptions of presence and task workload. Participants reported immersive experience in both methods, but higher levels of realism, possibility to act, physical effort, temporal constraints, and task control in VR. 360-video offers a better possibility to visually examine the environment, while VR offers enhanced realism and physical elements, but 360-video may still offer affordable solutions for visual tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Vine CAJ, Runswick OR, Blacker SD, Coakley SL, Siddall AG, Myers SD. Cognitive, Psychophysiological, and Perceptual Responses to a Repeated Military-Specific Load Carriage Treadmill Simulation. Hum Factors 2023:187208231214216. [PMID: 38018153 DOI: 10.1177/00187208231214216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dismounted military operations require soldiers to complete cognitive tasks whilst undertaking demanding and repeated physical taskings. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects of repeated fast load carriage bouts on cognitive performance, perceptual responses, and psychophysiological markers. METHODS Twelve civilian males (age, 28 ± 8 y; stature, 186 ± 6 cm; body mass 84.3 ± 11.1 kg; V̇O2max, 51.5 ± 6.4 mL·kg-1·min-1) completed three ∼65-min bouts of a Fast Load Carriage Protocol (FLCP), each interspersed with a 65-min recovery period, carrying a representative combat load of 25 kg. During each FLCP, cognitive function was assessed using a Shoot/Don't-Shoot Task (SDST) and a Military-Specific Auditory N-Back Task (MSANT), along with subjective ratings. Additional psychophysiological markers (heart rate variability, salivary cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate concentrations) were also measured. RESULTS A main effect of bout on MSANT combined score metric (p < .001, Kendall's W = 69.084) and for time on the accuracy-speed trade-off parameter of the SDST (p = .025, Ѡ2 = .024) was evident. These likely changes in cognitive performance were coupled with subjective data indicating that participants perceived that they increased their mental effort to maintain cognitive performance (bout: p < .001, Ѡ2 = .045; time: p < .001, Ѡ2 = .232). Changes in HRV and salivary markers were also evident, likely tracking increased stress. CONCLUSION Despite the increase in physiological and psychological stress, cognitive performance was largely maintained; purportedly a result of increased mental effort. APPLICATION Given the likely increase in dual-task interference in the field environment compared with the laboratory, military commanders should seek approaches to manage cognitive load where possible, to maintain soldier performance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, UK
- King's College London, UK
| | - Sam D Blacker
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, UK
| | - Sarah L Coakley
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, UK
- St Mary's University, UK
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10
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Runswick OR, Rawlinson A, Allen PM, Sharpe BT, Pocock C, Datson N, Birch P, Bruce R, Mann DL. The effects of simulated vision impairment on performance in football. J Sports Sci 2023; 41:1410-1422. [PMID: 37877884 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2273093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Footballers with vision impairment (VI) are eligible to compete in the Para sport if they meet a minimum impairment criteria (MIC) based on measures of their visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field. Despite the requirements of the International Paralympic Committee Athlete Classification Code that each sport uses an evidence-based classification system, VI football continues to use a medical-based system that lacks evidence to demonstrate the relationship between impairment and performance in the sport. The aim of this study was to systematically simulate vision loss to establish the minimum level of impairment that would affect performance in futsal. Nineteen skilled sighted players completed tests of individual technical skill and anticipation performance under six levels of simulated blur that decreased both VA and contrast sensitivity (CS). VA needed to be reduced to a level of acuity that represents worse vision than that currently used for inclusion in VI football before meaningful decreases in performance were observed. CS did not have a clear effect on football performance. These findings produce the first evidence for the minimum impairment criteria in VI football and suggest a more severe degree of impairment may be required for the MIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Alexander Rawlinson
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
- Institute of Psychology, Business and Human Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Peter M Allen
- Vision and Eye Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Benjamin T Sharpe
- Institute of Psychology, Business and Human Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Chris Pocock
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Naomi Datson
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Phil Birch
- Institute of Applied Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Richard Bruce
- Centre for Applied Human and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College, London, UK
| | - David L Mann
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences and Institute Brain and Behavior Amsterdam (iBBA), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Jewiss M, Runswick OR, Greenlees I. An Examination of the Challenge/Threat State and Sport-Performance Relationship While Controlling for Past Performance. J Sport Exerc Psychol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37463666 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2022-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
A challenge state is associated with superior performance compared to a threat state in a variety of performance domains (e.g., sport, aviation, education). However, in the challenge and threat (C/T) literature, between-subjects variability in past performance is often inconsistently controlled for. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of C/T states on performance using two methods to control for past performance. Experiment 1 used previous performance statistics in a between-subjects design and Experiment 2 used a within-subject design. In Experiment 1, regression analysis showed that cardiovascular correlates of C/T states predicted cricket batting performance in 45 amateur cricketers. In Experiment 2, between- and within-subject analysis found that past performance was the only predictor of subsequent golf putting performance in 40 noncompetitive golfers. Taken together, the findings challenge the role that C/T states play in predicting performance under pressure after controlling for past performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Jewiss
- School of Psychology and Sport Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge,United Kingdom
- Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester,United Kingdom
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, King's College London, London,United Kingdom
| | - Iain Greenlees
- Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester,United Kingdom
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12
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Harris DJ, Arthur T, Broadbent DP, Wilson MR, Vine SJ, Runswick OR. An Active Inference Account of Skilled Anticipation in Sport: Using Computational Models to Formalise Theory and Generate New Hypotheses. Sports Med 2022; 52:2023-2038. [PMID: 35503403 PMCID: PMC9388417 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-022-01689-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Optimal performance in time-constrained and dynamically changing environments depends on making reliable predictions about future outcomes. In sporting tasks, performers have been found to employ multiple information sources to maximise the accuracy of their predictions, but questions remain about how different information sources are weighted and integrated to guide anticipation. In this paper, we outline how predictive processing approaches, and active inference in particular, provide a unifying account of perception and action that explains many of the prominent findings in the sports anticipation literature. Active inference proposes that perception and action are underpinned by the organism’s need to remain within certain stable states. To this end, decision making approximates Bayesian inference and actions are used to minimise future prediction errors during brain–body–environment interactions. Using a series of Bayesian neurocomputational models based on a partially observable Markov process, we demonstrate that key findings from the literature can be recreated from the first principles of active inference. In doing so, we formulate a number of novel and empirically falsifiable hypotheses about human anticipation capabilities that could guide future investigations in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Harris
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK.
| | - Tom Arthur
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - David P Broadbent
- Division of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Mark R Wilson
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Samuel J Vine
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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13
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Abstract
When using a bimanual tool to strike an object, most people place their preferred hand closer to the striking end. In sports, a player is deemed to adopt a "right- or left-handed" stance depending on the hand that is lower on the club or bat. Research has suggested there is an advantage in going against this convention by placing the preferred hand at the top in a "reversed-stance". This study aimed to establish if the reversed-stance advantage exists in golf, whether it is underpinned by the preferred hand or dominant eye, and why players adopt such a stance. We tested hand preference, eye dominance, and full swing stance in 150 golfers (30 for each handicap category) and conducted follow-up interviews with 12 reversed-stance players. Professional or category 1 golfers were 21.5 times more likely to adopt a reversed-stance. The advantage could not be explained by ambidexterity or the dominant eye but could be explained by the position of the preferred hand. Reversed-stance players cited a variety of reasons for adopting it and were more likely to display a left-hand preference. Findings offer initial evidence of a reversed-stance advantage in golf and can inform work identifying its origins and mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David L Mann
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences and Institute Brain and Behavior Amsterdam (iBBA), The Netherlands
| | - Shivraj Mand
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Peter M Allen
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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14
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Runswick OR, Jewiss M, Sharpe BT, North JS. Context Affects Quiet Eye Duration and Motor Performance Independent of Cognitive Effort. J Sport Exerc Psychol 2021; 43:191-197. [PMID: 33730694 DOI: 10.1123/jsep.2020-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Extensive literature has shown the effect of "quiet eye" (QE) on motor performance. However, little attention has been paid to the context in which tasks are executed (independent of anxiety) and the mechanisms that underpin the phenomenon. Here, the authors aimed to investigate the effects of context (independent of anxiety) on QE and performance while examining if the mechanisms underpinning QE are rooted in cognitive effort. In this study, 21 novice participants completed golf putts while pupil dilation, QE duration, and putting accuracy were measured. Results showed that putting to win was more accurate compared with the control (no context) condition, and QE duration was longer when putting to win or tie a hole compared with control. There was no effect of context on pupil dilation. Results suggest that, while the task was challenging, performance scenarios can enhance representativeness of practice without adding additional load to cognitive resources, even for novice performers.
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Vine CAJ, Myers SD, Coakley SL, Blacker SD, Runswick OR. Transferability of Military-Specific Cognitive Research to Military Training and Operations. Front Psychol 2021; 12:604803. [PMID: 33679522 PMCID: PMC7930063 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.604803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A J Vine
- Occupational Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen D Myers
- Occupational Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L Coakley
- Occupational Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Sport, Allied Health and Performance Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam D Blacker
- Occupational Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Occupational Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
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Runswick OR, Rawlinson A, Datson N, Allen PM. A valid and reliable test of technical skill for vision impaired football. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2021; 6:89-97. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2021.1885725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R. Runswick
- Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | | | - Naomi Datson
- Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - Peter M Allen
- Vision and Hearing Sciences Research Centre, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge, UK
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Runswick OR, Ravensbergen RHJC, Allen PM, Mann DL. Expert opinion on classification for footballers with vision impairment: Towards evidence-based minimum impairment criteria. J Sports Sci 2021; 39:30-39. [PMID: 33554749 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2021.1881301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In Para sport, the aim of classification is to minimize the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition. Despite requirements of the International Paralympic Committee Athlete Classification Code for classification to be evidence-based and sport-specific, sports for athletes with VI, including football, use the same generic classes across almost all sports. The aim of this study was to consult with experts to establish the needs and challenges for developing a code-compliant system of classification for VI football. A panel of 18 experts with international experience in VI football (16.8 ± 10.2 years) took part in a three-round Delphi study using online surveys. Results showed that the panel did not think that the current system completely fulfils the aim of classification. The panel identified measures of visual function they considered to be relevant but are not currently measured during classification including dynamic acuity, depth and motion perception, and contrast and light sensitivity. Moreover, they identified technical skills such as ball control, dribbling and passing, as well as perceptual-cognitive skills, as most likely to be affected by vision impairment. Findings outline the need for change and offer a framework for future research to develop an evidence-based classification for VI football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Runswick
- Institute of Sport, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK.,Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rianne H J C Ravensbergen
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, IPC Research and Development Centre for the Classification of Athletes with Vision Impairment, Vrije Universitteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter M Allen
- Department of Vision and Hearing Science & Vision and Eye Research Unit, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - David L Mann
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, IPC Research and Development Centre for the Classification of Athletes with Vision Impairment, Vrije Universitteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
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North JS, Bezodis NE, Murphy CP, Runswick OR, Pocock C, Roca A. The effect of consistent and varied follow-through practice schedules on learning a table tennis backhand. J Sports Sci 2018; 37:613-620. [PMID: 30317921 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1522683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In table tennis the follow-through action after a shot is an important part of skill execution. In this experiment, we aimed to extend literature around the contextual interference effect by investigating whether the way the follow-through is organised in practice affects learning of the backhand shot in table tennis. Thirty unskilled participants were allocated to blocked-variable practice, random-variable practice or a control-constant group and aimed backhand shots towards a target following ball projection from a machine. Each group completed these shots in a pre-test, a training phase with follow-through manipulations, a post-test, and a retention test. The random-variable group improved their shot accuracy from pre-test to post-test and from pre-test to retention test (both P < 0.01, d = 1.03), whereas neither the blocked-variable nor the control-constant group displayed any change in shot accuracy. Practising the follow-through in a random-variable fashion enhanced learning of the preceding shot compared with blocked-variable practice or no follow-through instructions. The benefits of learning motor skills under conditions of high contextual interference also apply to how follow-through actions are organised. The findings are valuable to coaches and suggest that instructions related to the follow-through action should be considered as well as the primary skill itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie S North
- a Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Health, and Applied Science , St Mary's University, Twickenham , London , UK
| | - Neil E Bezodis
- b Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre , Swansea University , Swansea , UK
| | - Colm P Murphy
- a Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Health, and Applied Science , St Mary's University, Twickenham , London , UK.,c Department of Life Sciences , Brunel University London , London , UK
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- a Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Health, and Applied Science , St Mary's University, Twickenham , London , UK.,d Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences , University of Chichester , Chichester , UK
| | - Chris Pocock
- a Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Health, and Applied Science , St Mary's University, Twickenham , London , UK
| | - André Roca
- a Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, Faculty of Sport, Health, and Applied Science , St Mary's University, Twickenham , London , UK
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Runswick OR, Roca A, Williams AM, McRobert AP, North JS. Why do bad balls get wickets? The role of congruent and incongruent information in anticipation. J Sports Sci 2018; 37:537-543. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2018.1514165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R. Runswick
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Chichester, Chichester, UK
| | - André Roca
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, UK
| | - A. Mark Williams
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Recreation, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA
| | - Allistair P. McRobert
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jamie S. North
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, UK
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Runswick OR, Roca A, Mark Williams A, Bezodis NE, Mcrobert AP, North JS. The impact of contextual information and a secondary task on anticipation performance: An interpretation using cognitive load theory. Appl Cognit Psychol 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/acp.3386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R. Runswick
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science; St Mary's University; London UK
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences; University of Chichester; Chichester UK
| | - André Roca
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science; St Mary's University; London UK
| | - A. Mark Williams
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science; St Mary's University; London UK
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Recreation, College of Health; University of Utah; Salt Lake City USA
| | - Neil E. Bezodis
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre; Swansea University; Swansea UK
| | - Allistair P. Mcrobert
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences; Liverpool John Moores University; Liverpool UK
| | - Jamie S. North
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science; St Mary's University; London UK
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Abstract
Background When first learning to bimanually use a tool to hit a target (e.g., when chopping wood or hitting a golf ball), most people assume a stance that is dictated by their dominant hand. By convention, this means that a ‘right-handed’ or ‘left-handed’ stance that places the dominant hand closer to the striking end of the tool is adopted in many sports. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate whether the conventional stance used for bimanual hitting provides the best chance of developing expertise in that task. Methods Our study included 43 professional (international/first-class) and 93 inexperienced (<5 years’ experience) cricket batsmen. We determined their batting stance (plus hand and eye dominance) to compare the proportion of batters who adopted a reversed stance when batting (that is, the opposite stance to that expected based on their handedness). Results We found that cricket batsmen who adopted a reversed stance had a stunning advantage, with professional batsmen 7.1 times more likely to adopt a reversed stance than inexperienced batsmen, independent of whether they batted right or left handed or the position of their dominant eye. Conclusion Findings imply that batsmen who adopt a conventional stance may inadvertently be batting ‘back-to-front’ and have a significant disadvantage in the game. Moreover, the results may generalize more widely, bringing into question the way in which other bimanual sporting actions are taught and performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Mann
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 9, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, MOVE Research Institute Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 9, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, London, UK
| | - Peter M Allen
- Department of Vision and Hearing Sciences and Vision and Eye Research Unit, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
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Runswick OR, Roca A, Williams AM, Bezodis NE, North JS. The effects of anxiety and situation-specific context on perceptual-motor skill: a multi-level investigation. Psychol Res 2017; 82:708-719. [PMID: 28337548 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-017-0856-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effects of anxiety and situation-specific contextual information on attentional, interpretational, and behavioural processes underpinning perceptual-motor performance as proposed by Nieuwenhuys and Oudejans (Psychological Research 76:747-759; Nieuwenhuys, Oudejans, Psychological Research 76:747-759, 2012) using an in situ task. Twelve skilled cricket batsmen played against a skilled spin bowler under conditions manipulated to induce low and high levels of anxiety and the presence of low and high levels of situation-specific context. High anxiety decreased the number of good bat-ball contacts, while high levels of situation-specific context increased the number of times the ball was missed. When under high anxiety, participants employed significantly more fixations of shorter duration to more locations, but the effects of anxiety were restricted to the attentional level only. Situation-specific context affected performance and behavioural measures but not anxiety, cognitive load or perceptual-cognitive processes, suggesting that performance is influenced through different mechanisms from anxiety that are independent of working memory load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Runswick
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 4SX, UK.
| | - André Roca
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 4SX, UK
| | - A Mark Williams
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Recreation, College of Health, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Neil E Bezodis
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Jamie S North
- Expert Performance and Skill Acquisition Research Group, School of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, London, TW1 4SX, UK
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