Maximizing Performance: Augmented Feedback, Focus of Attention, and/or Reward?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Motor Control
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Augmented feedback (aF), external focus of attention (EF), and monetary reward (RE) individually enhance motor performance.
• Previous research has not explored the combined effects of these interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the most effective combination of aF, EF, and RE for enhancing motor performance.
• To determine if combining these interventions yields additive benefits.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen participants performed maximal countermovement jumps under six conditions: neutral (NE), aF, RE, aF + EF, aF + RE, and aF + EF + RE.
• Jump height and muscle activity of the M. rectus femoris were measured.

Main Results:

• The highest jump heights were observed with aF + EF, followed by aF + EF + RE.
• Reduced M. rectus femoris activity was noted in conditions involving EF (aF + EF and aF + EF + RE) compared to NE.
• Other biomechanical parameters remained comparable across conditions.

Conclusions:

• Combining augmented feedback with an external focus of attention provides superior motor performance enhancement.
• External focus of attention improves movement efficiency, potentially by reducing muscular effort, aligning with the constrained action hypothesis.
• Augmented feedback may primarily boost intrinsic motivation, while monetary reward did not further enhance performance in this context.