Attention and performance in miniature golf across the life span

Area of Science:

• Sports Psychology
• Human Aging Research
• Cognitive Neuroscience

Background:

• Investigates the effects of competitive pressure on athletes across different age groups.
• Examines the relationship between arousal, anxiety, and cognitive function in sports performance.
• Explores age-related differences in attentional control and their impact on motor skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological, psychological, and performance responses of adolescent, young, middle-aged, and older miniature golfers under training and competitive conditions.
• To investigate age-related differences in attentional styles and their influence on competitive performance.
• To determine if age-related cognitive deficits mediate performance decrements in high-arousal situations.

Main Methods:

• Participants: Highly skilled miniature golfers aged 15-73 years, divided into four age groups.
• Data Collection: Measured number of shots, heart rate, anxiety ratings, concentration time, and attentional styles using the Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style (TAIS).
• Conditions: Compared performance and physiological responses during training versus competitive play.

Main Results:

• All age groups showed increased heart rate and anxiety during competition.
• Adolescent and young players improved performance, while middle-aged and older players showed deterioration.
• Younger players maintained concentration, while older players experienced decreased concentration and increased distractibility, partly mediating performance differences.

Conclusions:

• Competitive environments exacerbate anxiety and arousal, with significant age-related performance variations.
• Older adults exhibit greater vulnerability to distractions, impacting their ability to perform under pressure.
• Age-related deficits in cognitive capacities may underlie reduced performance in high-arousal situations for older individuals.