There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Abstract
Research has found an advantage for an external focus of attention in motor control
and learning; instructing subjects to focus on the effects of their actions, rather
than on body movements, can improve performance during training and retention testing.
Previous research has mostly concentrated on movement outcomes, not on the quality
of the movement itself. Thus, this study combined surface electromyography (EMG) with
motion analysis and outcome measures in a dart throwing task, making this the first
study that includes a comprehensive analysis of changes in motor performance as a
function of attentional focus. An external focus of attention led to better performance
(less absolute error), decreased preparation time between throws, and reduced EMG
activity in the triceps brachii. There was also some evidence of increased variability
for kinematic measures of the shoulder joint under an external focus relative to an
internal focus. These results suggest improved movement economy with an external focus
of attention.
Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.