Auditory concurrent feedback benefits on the circle performed in gymnastics

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Motor Learning
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Assessing and improving body segmental alignment (BSA) is crucial for complex gymnastic movements.
• The effectiveness of real-time feedback in refining motor skills, particularly in gymnastics, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of concurrent auditory feedback on body segmental alignment (BSA) during the pommel horse circle movement.
• To determine if real-time auditory feedback aids in correcting complex motor skills and if it leads to information dependence.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen gymnasts were divided into an experimental group receiving auditory feedback and a control group.
• Training involved 300 circle repetitions over two weeks, with pre-test, post-test, and retention test assessments of BSA.

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed a 2.3% improvement in BSA post-intervention (85.7% to 87.7%).
• The experimental group maintained performance levels in a retention test two weeks later.
• The control group exhibited no significant gains in BSA.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent, real-time auditory feedback is effective in improving body segmental alignment for complex skills like the pommel horse circle.
• This feedback method can enhance motor skill correction without fostering detrimental information dependence.
• Auditory feedback may help athletes develop greater objectivity regarding their intrinsic performance cues.