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Related Experiment Videos

Attentional focus on supra-postural tasks affects postural control.

Nancy H McNevin1, Gabriele Wulf

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. ad4849@wayne.edu

Human Movement Science
|August 9, 2002
PubMed
Summary
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Focusing on external movements, like a hanging sheet, improves static balance control. Conversely, focusing internally on finger movements compromises balance, increasing postural sway in this supra-postural task.

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Motor Control
  • Human Movement Science

Background:

  • Postural control is crucial for maintaining stability during daily activities.
  • Attentional focus, whether internal or external, is known to influence motor performance.
  • Previous research has explored the effects of attentional focus on postural control with varying results.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of internal versus external attentional focus on postural control during a supra-postural task.
  • To compare the effects of minimizing finger movement (internal focus) versus minimizing sheet movement (external focus) on postural sway.
  • To analyze the frequency of postural responses under different attentional conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Participants performed a static standing task while lightly touching a hanging sheet.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Two experimental conditions involved instructions to focus on minimizing either finger movement (internal focus) or sheet movement (external focus).
  • A baseline condition with no touch was included for comparison. Postural sway and response frequency (using fast Fourier transformation) were measured.

    • Main Results:

    • Both internal and external focus conditions led to increased postural sway compared to the baseline (no touch) condition.
    • The external focus condition resulted in a greater frequency of responding compared to both internal focus and baseline conditions.
    • Internal focus conditions showed compromised static balance responses.

    Conclusions:

    • External attentional focus enhances static balance responses during supra-postural tasks.
    • Internal attentional focus compromises static balance responses, leading to increased postural sway.
    • Attentional focus significantly modulates postural control, with external cues proving more beneficial for maintaining balance.