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Motor Imagery Training Improves Interoception and Satisfaction with Performance
Chiara Di Tella1, Enrica L Santarcangelo1
1Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery (NTMS), University of Pisa, Via San Zeno, 31, 56127 Pisa, Italy.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|April 26, 2025
Summary
Artistic gymnastics practice enhances interoception in young females. A one-month motor imagery training program further improved their interoceptive awareness and performance satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Interoception, performance satisfaction, and motor imagery (MI) training are crucial for physical and mental health.
- Artistic gymnastics practice may influence sensorimotor and cognitive-emotional functions.
- Understanding the impact of sports on interoception is vital for optimizing training and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare interoceptive abilities between sedentary females and those practicing artistic gymnastics.
- To evaluate the effects of a one-month motor imagery training program on interoception and performance satisfaction in gymnasts.
Main Methods:
- Participants included sedentary females (Control group) and age-matched artistic gymnasts (Experimental group).
- Interoceptive accuracy and sensibility were assessed using the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS) and Multisensory Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA).
- Body perception, absorption, and performance satisfaction were measured before and after the intervention in the experimental group.
Main Results:
- Artistic gymnasts demonstrated significantly higher interoceptive awareness (MAIA scores) compared to sedentary individuals.
- Following motor imagery training, gymnasts showed significant improvements in performance satisfaction, interoceptive awareness (MAIA), and body perception (BPQ).
- The improvements in performance satisfaction and interoceptive awareness were moderated by years of practice and absorption levels, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Baseline differences indicate that artistic gymnastics enhances interoception.
- Motor imagery training appears to further improve interoception and performance satisfaction in gymnasts.
- Findings suggest potential for personalized mental training programs to enhance physical and mental health in athletes.
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