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Focus on the process or outcome? It depends on the task goal
Kevin A Becker1, Nicholas A Levine2, Christopher A Aiken3
1Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1914 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, TN 37996, United States.
Human Movement Science
|October 2, 2025
Summary
External focus cues enhance motor performance, but effectiveness depends on the cue type. External-process cues boosted lifting velocity, while external-outcome cues maximized displacement in hex bar deadlifts.
Area of Science:
- Sport Science
- Motor Control
- Biomechanics
Background:
- External focus cues generally enhance motor performance compared to internal focus.
- Nuance exists in external cue effectiveness, particularly concerning spatial and temporal distances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of internal-process (IP), internal-outcome (IO), external-process (EP), and external-outcome (EO) focus cues on hex bar deadlift performance.
- To differentiate the effects of temporal distance in focus cues while controlling for spatial distance.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four experienced strength-trained participants performed hex bar deadlifts at 60% of their 1RM.
- Four focus conditions (IP, IO, EP, EO) were presented in a counterbalanced order.
- Peak velocity, average velocity, and vertical bar displacement were measured.
Main Results:
- External-process cues resulted in significantly higher peak and average velocity compared to internal cues.
- External-outcome cues led to greater vertical bar displacement than internal cues, but did not differ from external-process cues.
Conclusions:
- External-process cues are most effective for enhancing lifting velocity.
- External-outcome cues are most effective for maximizing vertical displacement.
- The optimal external focus cue should align with the specific goals of the movement.
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