Immediate Effect of Self-Modelling with Internal Versus External Focus of Attention on Teaching/Learning Gymnastics Motor-Skills

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the immediate effect of self-modelling with different focus of attention strategies (i.e., internal vs. external) on the teaching/learning of gymnastics motor-skills. Fifty-nine non-gymnast students participated in this study and were divided into three groups (i.e., an external focus group (EF), an internal focus group (IF), and a control group (CG)). Each participant’s performance of the back dismount in the parallel bars was assessed before the experiment (i.e., base-score), and each participant was asked to provide a self-evaluation of their performance and their efficiency percentage. Afterwards, participants received a specific learning session (i.e., self-modelling with external focus, self-modelling with internal focus, or traditional learning with verbal instruction) and performed the back dismount in the parallel bars again immediately after (i.e., final score). Four international judges evaluated performance of our participants. The results showed that the EF and IF outperformed the CG in the final score. Importantly, a significant difference between the base and the final score was observed in the EF and IF, but not in the CG. In addition, the EF showed the highest percentage of improvement (Δ-score) and self-estimation scores compared to the two other groups. In conclusion, this study supports the adoption of external focus of attention for teaching/learning gymnastics motor-skills.

The Impact of Different Attentional Focus Strategies During Modeling on the Acquisition and Retention of Free Throws in Basketball

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“…Improving instructional models in coaching education can impact sports performance, increase the effectiveness of exercises performed, and reduce the risk of injuries. Several studies provide information on the benefits of using the appropriate attentional focus strategy, with researchers mainly investigating the impact of external and internal attentional focus strategies ( Amri-Dardari et al, 2022 ; Furuhashi et al, 2023 ). In contrast to the growing body of evidence showing that external and internal attentional focus strategies have distinct advantages, some new strategies for guiding athletes have appeared.…”

Impact of Exercise Guidance Timing on Physical and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: A Pilot Study

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