Psychophysiological Effects of Left-Hand Contractions on Golf-Putting and Dart-Throwing Performance.

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Neuroscience
• Motor Control

Background:

• Left-hand contractions (LHCs) are theorized to enhance athletic performance under pressure by inducing hemispheric brain asymmetry and inhibiting conscious motor control.
• The precise neurophysiological mechanisms underlying LHCs' effects on performance remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of LHCs on athletic performance and underlying neural mechanisms in novice golfers and dart players.
• To examine whether LHCs induce hemispheric brain asymmetry and if this correlates with performance changes.

Main Methods:

• Two experiments were conducted involving 30 novice golfers and 40 dart players performing their respective tasks.
• Cortical, muscle (electromyography), cardiac activity, and kinematics were recorded during task performance.
• Performance was quantified by measuring the distance from the target.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in golf putting or dart-throwing performance were observed between conditions.
• LHCs reduced electromyography signals in the left forearm during golf putting.
• Right-dominant hemispheric asymmetry was induced by LHCs, but this did not correlate with performance improvements.
• Asymmetry was localized to central and parietal brain regions, questioning the role of left-temporal activation in inhibiting conscious processing.

Conclusions:

• LHCs may not be an effective strategy for enhancing performance in tasks like golf putting and dart throwing.
• The induced hemispheric asymmetry by LHCs does not necessarily translate to improved motor task performance.
• The findings challenge the proposed mechanism of LHCs inhibiting conscious processing via left-temporal activation.