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Imagery perspective among young athletes: Differentiation between external and internal visual imagery
Qiu-Hua Yu1, Amy S N Fu2, Adeline Kho3
1Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong 999077, China.
Journal of Sport and Health Science
|October 26, 2018
Summary
This study found that external visual imagery (EVI) is more beneficial for skilled athletes in open sports, while internal visual imagery (IVI) aids skilled athletes across all sport types. Both imagery types enhance athletic performance.
Area of Science:
- Sports Psychology
- Motor Learning
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Visual imagery is a key cognitive skill in sports.
- Distinguishing between external visual imagery (EVI) and internal visual imagery (IVI) is crucial for understanding its application.
- Athlete skill level and sport type may influence imagery effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differences between external visual imagery (EVI) and internal visual imagery (IVI).
- To compare athletes' imagery ability in relation to their skill levels and sport types (open vs. closed).
Main Methods:
- Seventy-two young athletes from open (n=45) and closed (n=27) sports participated.
- Athletes completed two custom tasks assessing EVI and IVI.
- Performance was evaluated based on accuracy in visualizing rotated body parts (EVI) and performing movements (IVI).
Main Results:
- Significant Skill-Level × Sport Type interactions were found for EVI, with higher accuracy in skilled athletes in open sports.
- For IVI, higher skill levels and open sports were associated with higher accuracy, though differences were less pronounced than for EVI.
- Skilled athletes in open sports demonstrated superior EVI performance.
Conclusions:
- External visual imagery (EVI) is relevant for higher-skilled athletes in dynamic, open sports environments.
- Internal visual imagery (IVI) is more self-oriented and beneficial for higher-skilled athletes irrespective of sport type.
- Understanding the nuances of EVI and IVI can inform targeted imagery training for athletes.
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