ABSTRACT
The recent review by Eaves et al. (Psychological Research/Psychologische Forschung, 2022) outlines the research conducted to-date on combined action-observation and motor imagery (AOMI), and more specifically, its added benefit to learning. Of interest, these findings have been primarily attributed to the dual action simulation hypothesis, whereby AO and MI activate separable representations for action that may be later merged when they are congruent with one another. The present commentary more closely evaluates this explanation. What's more, we offer an alternative information-based argument where the benefit to learning may be served instead by the availability of key information. Along these lines, we speculate on possible future directions including the need for a transfer design.
ABSTRACT
Despite the sport's popularity, there is a paucity in futsal psychological interventional research. This study analysed the impact of a ten-session psychological skills training and mindfulness-based intervention (PSTMI) on the mental toughness, competitive anxiety, and athletic coping skills of national league futsal players (n = 13). It also analysed whether these variables were predicted by playing experience. Pre-/post-intervention questionnaires were filled in and analysed (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, Sport Mental Toughness Questionnaire, and Athletic Coping Skills Inventory-28). Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with seven athletes; quantitative and qualitative data were integrated in a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Results revealed significant medium-to-large improvements in mental toughness, cognitive anxiety, and coping skills following the PSTMI. Years of playing experience positively and significantly predicted better self-confidence and coping skills. Thematic analysis generated five themes: (1) post-intervention enhancement in athletic performance and well-being; (2) the non-athletic commitments of futsal players; (3) diverse views on how to improve the intervention; (4) instilling social identity through sport psychology sessions; and (5) the impact of years of experience on skill learning. Results mirrored those from other sporting disciplines. The PSTMI was well-received and equipped athletes with beneficial psychological skills, stressing the need for more sport psychology resources in futsal.
ABSTRACT
Recent research has begun to employ interventions that combine action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) with positive results. However, little is known about the underpinning facilitative effect on performance. Participants (n = 50) were randomly allocated to one of five training groups: action observation (AO), motor imagery (MI), simultaneous action observation and motor imagery (S-AOMI), alternate action observation and motor imagery (A-AOMI), and control. The task involved dart-throwing at a concentric circle dartboard at pre- and post-test. Interventions were conducted 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Data were collected from performance outcomes and mean muscle activation of the upper and forearm muscles. Angular velocity and peak angular velocity measurements of the elbow were also collected from the throwing arm. Results showed performance of the A-AOMI group improved to a significantly greater degree than the AO (P = .04), MI (P = .04), and control group (P = .02), and the S-AOMI group improved to a greater degree than the control group (P = .02). Mean muscle activation of the triceps brachii significantly reduced in the S-AOMI and A-AOMI (P < .01) groups, and participants in the AO (P = .04), A-AOMI, and S-AOMI (P < .01) groups significantly reduced activation in the bicep brachii from pre- to post-test. Peak angular velocity significantly decreased from pre- to post-test in both A-AOMI and S-AOMI (P < .01) groups. The results reaffirm the benefits of AOMI for facilitating skill learning and provide an insight how these interventions produce favorable changes in EMG and movement kinematics.
