Utilising an internal focus of attention during preparation and an external focus during execution may facilitate motor learning

Aiken, Christopher A.; Becker, Kevin

doi:10.1080/17461391.2022.2042604

Cited by 11 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 43 publications

(72 reference statements)

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“…Previous research has shown that external focus can enhance balance learning in older adults compared to internal focus [ 83 , 84 ], and that holistic focus may be as effective as external focus [ 85 ]. However, internal focus can still facilitate learning if combined with external focus during movement execution [ 86 ]. Therefore, the improved performance in the 5STS test in the PTE+DMT group, compared to the PTE group, suggests that an integrated focus of attention may enhance motor learning.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention Integrating Physical Therapy Exercise and Dance Movement Therapy on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Pilot Study

2023

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This pilot study presents a novel fall prevention intervention that integrates physical therapy exercise (PTE) and dance movement therapy (DMT) to address both physical and emotional fall risk factors, as well as factors influencing adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of the intervention in a sample of eight older women (median = 86 [81.25–90.75] years) from a day center for senior citizens. The intervention, based on the Otago Exercise Program and DMT techniques, aimed to address the emotional experience during physical exercise. Participants were randomly assigned to either a PTE+DMT intervention group (n = 5) or a PTE control group (n = 3). A pre–post intervention battery of physical and emotional fall risk assessments, therapist–patient bond, and home exercise adherence was conducted. Non-parametric tests results showed significant improvement in the PTE+DMT group in measures of balance and fear of falling compared to the PTE group. However, no other significant differences were found between the groups in terms of falls-related psychological concerns, self-perceived health status, therapist–patient bond, and home exercise adherence. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential benefits of an intervention that integrates both physical and emotional aspects to reduce fall risk in older adults, and provide a basis for further studies and modifications in the research protocol.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention Integrating Physical Therapy Exercise and Dance Movement Therapy on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Pilot Study

2023

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“…Two studies focused on chipping performance using a pitching wedge ( 56 ) or gap wedge ( 54 ). Bell and Hardy ( 56 ) divided 33 participants into three groups.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Motor learning in golf—a systematic review

Barzyk,

Gruber

2024

Front. Sports Act. Living

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Golf is a sport that consists of complex movement skills that need to be executed with utmost precision. Consequently, motor skill learning plays a crucial role in golf, and large numbers of studies address various methods of motor learning. In the present review, we give a systematic overview of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on motor learning of golf-specific motor skills. Three electronic databases were searched for RCTs looking at the effect of at least one learning method on performance in a golf-specific motor task. We grouped the studies depending on the learning strategies “cognitive training”, “practice scheduling”, “augmented feedback”, “implicit and explicit learning” and “focus of attention”. Fifty-two RCTs met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Superior methods within their respective strategies were an external focus of attention and increasing contextual interference, as well as errorless learning. For “cognitive training” and “augmented feedback”, no single method can be considered the most favorable. The overall biggest limitations were the lack of statistical power for more than half of the RCTs, and the fact that most studies of the present review investigated simple putting tasks in novices only. Although we have shown superiority of specific learning methods, transferability of the recommendations that can be derived from simple golf tasks in novices to sport-specific tasks in advanced players still has to be demonstrated and require study designs with the intention to provide practical recommendations for coaches and athletes in the sport of golf.

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“…These complexities are consistent with the notion that internal and external foci might be more appropriate for different functional roles. Recent evidence ( 49 , 50 ) suggests that switching attention between movement preparation and execution might benefit performance. This is also supported by Gottwald et al ( 43 ) who identified benefits of an internal focus for motor planning, but not control, in proprioceptive tasks.…”

Section: Recent Research Directionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition

Gottwald

Davies

Owen

2023

Front. Sports Act. Living

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Directing our focus of attention appropriately during task execution can benefit outcome performance, cognitive efficiency, and physiological efficiency. For instance, individuals may benefit from adopting an external focus of attention (i.e., by focusing attention on the effects of one's movements on the environment) over an internal focus of attention (e.g., focusing on one's body movements). However, accounts concerning the theoretical functioning of such effects have primarily relied on hierarchical information processing perspectives; far less consideration has been given to potentially alternative explanations based on ecological dynamics, instances where an internal focus may be desirable over an external focus, and the associated applied implications. Within the present review, we: (a) outline the most recent developments in attentional focus research; (b) evaluate similarities and differences between information processing and ecological dynamics explanations of the focus of attention effect; (c) provide practical recommendations; and (d) discuss future research avenues. In doing so, a case is made for an “Ecological Dynamics Account of Attentional Focus” to act as an alternative to information processing-based hypotheses.

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Utilising an internal focus of attention during preparation and an external focus during execution may facilitate motor learning

Cited by 11 publications

References 43 publications

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention Integrating Physical Therapy Exercise and Dance Movement Therapy on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Pilot Study

Feasibility and Effectiveness of a Novel Intervention Integrating Physical Therapy Exercise and Dance Movement Therapy on Fall Risk in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Pilot Study

Motor learning in golf—a systematic review

Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition

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