Why does the Quiet Eye improve aiming accuracy? Testing a motor preparation hypothesis with brain potential

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Sports Science
• Motor Control

Background:

• The Quiet Eye (QE) is a phenomenon in sports where elite performers exhibit a longer final fixation on a target before movement initiation.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of QE is crucial for optimizing motor skill acquisition and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between Quiet Eye (QE) acquisition and motor preparation processes.
• To examine changes in movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) following QE training.

Main Methods:

• Participants performed a dart throw task while wearing eye-tracking and electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment.
• Participants were assigned to either a Quiet Eye training group (QET) or a control training group (CT).
• MRCPs were analyzed based on performance scores and QE fixation durations (High/Low performance, Long/Short fixation).

Main Results:

• The Quiet Eye training group (QET) successfully acquired QE characteristics.
• No significant differences in MRCPs were observed between the QET and control training groups.
• EEG changes related to QE acquisition may require longer experimental durations to become apparent.

Conclusions:

• While QE training can enhance performance and lead to characteristic QE behaviors, its immediate impact on early motor preparation (MRCPs) may not be detectable with current methods.
• QE duration might influence both motor programming and online motor control processes.
• Future research should consider longitudinal designs to better understand the neural adaptations associated with QE training.