Performance Enhancement in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Abstract

Performance enhancement or mental practice is the "symbolic rehearsal of a physical activity without any gross muscular movements" to facilitate skill acquisition and to increase performance in the production of that physical activity. Performance-enhancement interventions have been well known in the area of sports psychology and medicine. However, clinical applications in physical medicine and rehabilitation have not flourished to the same extent, though the demand for improved physical performance and the acquisition of various motor skills are as important. In this paper I will describe how hypnosis can potentiate mental practice, present a model of mental practice to enhance performance, and describe how to help patients access an ideal performance state of consciousness.

Integration of Motor Imagery and Physical Practice in Group Treatment Applied to Subjects With Parkinson’s Disease

“…Symbolic imagery, external imagery (in which subjects "viewed" themselves executing the tasks as if shown in a video film), and internal imagery (recapitulation of the sensory experience of task performance) were applied in accordance with Appel's model. 23 Daily life functions were mentally rehearsed within the private confines of each individual's environment. An example of the use of symbolic imagery in motor imagery practice was the suggestion to subjects to "watch" a parade by encouraging them to listen to the music; pay attention to the rate, length, and height of the steps; and observe the alternating movements of the upper extremities.…”

Across Cultural Boundaries: Psychophysiological Responses, Absorption, and Dissociation Comparison Between Brazilian Spiritists and Advanced Meditators

“…Because data can be distorted by bodily movement, and imagery may be efficacious in both performance enhancement and rehabilitation (Appel, 1992), the two claimant mediums were instructed to imagine incorporating a spirit rather than to engage in direct incorporation. This method was guided by previous research, primarily in the field of sports psychology, that has suggested that imagery rehearsal activates virtually the same brain centers involved in actual performance (Feltz and Landers, 1983).…”

Psychosynthesis: A Transpersonal Model for Hypnotically Mediated Psychotherapy

“…According to a review by Appel (1992), mental practice can facilitate actual performance through imaging the intended act first with external imagery and then with internal imagery. APPEL Law II: Attitudes, movements, and actions tend to evoke corresponding images and ideas; these in turn (according to the next law) evoke or intensify corresponding emotions and feelings.…”