Publication Date

5-2023

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Kaylee Woodard, Scott Arnett, Dano Tolusso

Degree Program

Department of Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

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

Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the effects of internally and externally directed process and outcome focus instructions on approach jump height and approach velocity in novice participants.

Methods: Twelve individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 participated in this study. All participants completed three sessions: Familiarization, Test Session 1, and Test Session 2. Across the two test sessions, participants performed approach jumps in a baseline condition and four experimental conditions in which participants were asked to focus on specific cues. Experimental conditions were External Focus-Outcome (EFO), Internal Focus-Outcome (IFO), External Focus-Process (EFP), and Internal Focus-Process (IFP). Jump-and-reach height, estimated jump height by flight time, and approach velocity were analyzed using separate 2 (Attentional Focus: Internal, External) x 2 (Content: Outcome, Process) ANOVAs with repeated measures.

Results: Jump-and-reach height was highest in the external focus and outcome conditions (p < .05). Approach velocity was faster in process vs. outcome conditions (p < .001) but did not differ between internal and external focus cues. Estimated jump height by flight time was similar across all conditions. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the advantages of external focus and process instructions for novices may extend only to certain performance variables in complex motor skills.

Practical Applications: Practitioners can use various process- and outcome-based instructions to enhance novices’ performance. External, outcome-based cues should be used to enhance overall task performance, while process-based cues can be implemented to improve specific components of technique.

Disciplines

Biomechanics | Kinesiology | Life Sciences | Motor Control

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