A probabilistic model for analysing the effect of performance levels on visual behaviour patterns of young sailors in simulated navigation

Abstract

The visual behaviour is a determining factor in sailing due to the influence of the environmental conditions. The aim of this research was to determine the visual behaviour pattern in sailors with different practice time in one star race, applying a probabilistic model based on Markov chains. The sample of this study consisted of 20 sailors, distributed in two groups, top ranking (n = 10) and bottom ranking (n = 10), all of them competed in the Optimist Class. An automated system of measurement, which integrates the VSail-Trainer sail simulator and the Eye Tracking System(TM) was used. The variables under consideration were the sequence of fixations and the fixation recurrence time performed on each location by the sailors. The event consisted of one of simulated regatta start, with stable conditions of wind, competitor and sea. Results show that top ranking sailors perform a low recurrence time on relevant locations and higher on irrelevant locations while bottom ranking sailors make a low recurrence time in most of the locations. The visual pattern performed by bottom ranking sailors is focused around two visual pivots, which does not happen in the top ranking sailor's pattern. In conclusion, the Markov chains analysis has allowed knowing the visual behaviour pattern of the top and bottom ranking sailors and its comparison.

Complexity, Regularity and Non-linear Behaviour in Human Eye Movements: Analysing the Dynamic of Gaze in the Virtual Sailing Programs

“…On the other hand, in low ages the displacements of the eyes present a more complex behaviour, which might be associated with the need to direct the eyes to more present indexes of information in the environment, and the still not having the necessary experience to select the significant information directly. These results go in the line of the obtained by Manzanares et al [16], where they were showing that the bottomranking sailors that have a lower level of experience, performed less recurrence fixations on the locations that the top-ranking sailors. Probably this more erratic visual behaviour might be related to a major index of complexity, though that investigation did not analyse it.…”

“…We found one contribution following this line in the research by Manzanares et al [16] who applied Markov's chains to research on the sequence of visual fixations executed by sailors in an environment of simulated sailing. This technique provided verification that the highest ranked sailors carried out a more active and wider search of relevant visual information than lower ranked sailors.…”

“…The start of a regatta is crucial to the race's success, as placing the boat in the best position on the start line is fundamental to initiating the regatta and it provides an important advantage over rivals [23]. Undertaking an active visual search which allows the exploration of the environment at this time seems to be a factor of performance to bear in mind [16]. Nevertheless, the difficulties of recording this information during real navigational conditions have prevented the analysis of visual behaviour up to now.…”

Buoy as a Tool in Teaching Basic Elements of Sailing

“…Based on the results achieved we can conclude that experimental group is superior to the control group, especially on more demanding elements of sailing technique such as heading up, and on the more demanding helmsman position, therefore we are certain that we can claim these results to be the consequence of buoy range application. From the perceptual area, sailing is a sport that requires a high level of visual stimulus perception (Manzanares et al, 2015). The most important role of buoy range is its help in understanding of sailing space to beginner, and facilitating orientation to the wind (Oreb, 2000).…”

Association between mood states and performance of Brazilian elite sailors: Winners vs. non-winners

“…Recent research has highlighted mental abilities in sports context by crediting them with an important role among the factors that influence performance (Bertollo, Saltarelli, & Robazza, 2009;Manzanares, Menayo, Segado, Salmerón, & Cano, 2015). This role is evident especially in elite sports in which athletes' physical and technical skills are similar, so psychological factors may be decisive in winning a competition (Allen & De Jong, 2006;Totterdell & Leach, 2001).…”