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Attentional Focus Strategies Can Improve Performance of Postural Control in Runners.
Anderson R Delunardo1, Gabriela V Magalhães1, Natalia M Rinaldi1
1Biomechanical Analysis of Movement Laboratory (Bio. Mov), Physical Education and Sports Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES, Brazil.
Motor Control
|August 26, 2024
Summary
External focus strategies significantly improve postural control in runners, reducing sway more effectively than internal focus or no focus. This enhances performance and may help prevent sports injuries.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Motor Control
- Sports Science
Background:
- External focus strategies enhance postural control mechanisms.
- Running adherence is increasing, highlighting the need to reduce sports injuries.
- The effect of attentional focus on runners' postural control remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of internal and external focus strategies on postural control in runners.
- To assess postural control performance across different bases of support.
- To compare the effectiveness of attentional focus strategies in runners versus a control group.
Main Methods:
- 19 young adults (runners and controls) participated.
- Posturography tests were conducted on stable and unstable surfaces.
- Conditions included control, internal focus, and external focus, analyzing center of pressure (CoP) variables.
Main Results:
- External focus reduced postural sway compared to internal focus and control conditions.
- Internal focus also reduced sway compared to the control condition.
- No significant differences in postural control performance were found between the running and control groups.
Conclusions:
- Attentional focus strategies, particularly external focus, effectively reduce postural sway.
- External focus is the most effective strategy for improving postural control.
- These findings suggest practical applications for injury reduction and performance enhancement in sports like running.
