Effects of Attentional Focus and Dual-tasking on Conventional Deadlift Performance in Experienced Lifters

Abstract

Background: Previous attentional focus literature suggests that adopting an external focus (EF) results in greater force production through a variety of mechanisms. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of attentional focus and dual-tasking when performing heavily loaded barbell movements that are specific to strength-based sports. Method: Fifteen resistance-trained males (age = 23.3 ± 3.4 years) reported to the laboratory for three visits. The first visit consisted of a five-repetition maximum (5RM) test on the conventional deadlift. During the subsequent sessions, the participants performed a total of twelve single conventional deadlift repetitions while adopting an internal focus (IF), an external focus (EF), or while performing the cognitive task (COG). The IF and EF consisted of focusing on activating the quadriceps and maintaining a straight bar path, respectively. The COG consisted of counting the total occurrence of two single-digits in a sequence of three-digit numbers, separately. Three-dimensional motion capture and force platforms were used to collect kinematic and kinetic data. Results: No significant differences were found between the IF, the EF and the COG for lift duration, peak barbell velocity, peak vertical ground reaction force, area of 95% confidence ellipse, peak hip moments and peak hip powers. Adopting an EF significantly reduced variability of the barbell trajectory and centre of pressure (COP) in the anterior-posterior direction. Mean velocity of COP was also significantly lower for the EF. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adopting an EF may lead to greater postural stability when performing heavily loaded barbell movements.

Strategies used in the Olympic weightlifting and psychological aspects: factors that contemplate sports performance

“…Chan et al [11] 2019 (Canada) n= 15 men All with at least 2 years of experience in conventional DL being able of performing a DL at 1-MR of twice their own body-weight. Image acquisition system Vicon, and force plataforms of 1000Hz acquisition rate.…”

“…Training programs grounded in interdisciplinarity between psychology applied to sport and biomechanics factors focusing on speed and strength acquisition suggest promising management for several sports modalities. A consistent statement, since the lower control of anxiety, competitive stress, attention, and concentration of the competitor harmed different athletes in their autonomic balance, breathing, and performance [11][12][13].…”

“…Collaborators reported the possibility of deleterious effects of total sleep deprivation in sports, causing a loss of performance that defocuses the individual in their training activity [34,35]. However, when the purpose of a study was to examine the effects of an athlete's internal and external focus of attention during a barbell sports activity, Chan et al [11] found no important differences in bar speed or movement duration when the focus of attention is present. However, there is an effect observed in external focus (EF) on postural stability, since when the athlete had focused the barbell movement in a straight and vertical trajectory, it led to greater postural stability when performing heavily loaded barbell movements.…”

“…However, there is an effect observed in external focus (EF) on postural stability, since when the athlete had focused the barbell movement in a straight and vertical trajectory, it led to greater postural stability when performing heavily loaded barbell movements. Thus, the adoption of an EF has as prognosis a greater production of strength through a variety of mechanisms not yet fully elucidated in the scientific [11,35]. Therefore, the perspective of a strategy to the athletes that stablish itself as na instrument to a higher acquisition of attention and focus at the present moment and reduce thoughts about past mistakes or expectations of the future prevail.…”