How can novel task constraints be used to induce acute changes in gaze behaviour?

Area of Science:

• * Sport Science
• * Motor Learning
• * Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• * Quiet eye (QE) is a critical period of visual fixation before a motor task.
• * Expert golfers typically exhibit longer QE durations than novices.
• * Current training methods for QE are not always evidence-based.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the acute effects of novel training aids and instructions on QE duration in golf putting.
• * To determine if QE changes correlate with putting performance improvements.

Main Methods:

• * Pre-test/post-test design with 30 practice putts.
• * Intervention groups used: a marker under the ball, a hole-focus instruction, or the putting box of science (PBoS).
• * Gaze behavior and putting performance were measured before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• * The marker group showed a significant increase in QE duration (+366 ms).
• * The hole-focus group demonstrated a decrease in QE duration (-287 ms).
• * No significant changes in putting performance were observed across groups, including the PBoS and control groups.

Conclusions:

• * Specific training interventions, like using a marker, can acutely alter QE duration in golf putting.
• * Changes in QE duration do not necessarily lead to immediate improvements in putting performance.
• * Findings support the development of evidence-based training aids for golf, emphasizing coach consultation.