Author(s): CASTELLAR, F., CAVALERI, R., HERFF, S.A., Institution: THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY, Country: AUSTRALIA, Abstract-ID: 196

Introduction/Objective: Mental training strategies such as music listening and mental imagery, as well as their combination, are commonly used to support motor skill execution in sport. However, their effectiveness may depend on individual characteristics, including physical fitness and imagery ability [1]. This study examined whether individual differences moderate the effects of imagery, music, and their combination (MIMUS) on motor execution variability.
Methods: Eighty novices were randomly allocated to one of four conditions: imagery-only, music-only, MIMUS, or control. Participants were trained to perform a precision throwing movement simulating a pétanque shooting technique [2], executing it across four practice blocks, with 5-minute breaks between blocks filled with content-related assigned conditions. In addition, participants completed questionnaires assessing their physical activity levels (IPAQ-long form [3]) and mental imagery abilities (MIQ-3: internal, external, and kinaesthetic [4]) prior to practice. The study comprised acquisition and retention sessions. Bayesian mixed-effects models examined motor execution accuracy, with individual characteristics – fitness levels and imagery abilities - included as interaction terms with condition.
Results: All groups improved motor execution accuracy by the end of the retention session (all Odds > 19*), with improvements emerging earlier and more pronounced in the experimental conditions compared with control, notably in the imagery condition (all Odds > 999*). Meaningful motor skill performance improvements were observed across individuals with both low and high fitness levels and imagery ability scores (internal and external perspectives), irrespective of assigned condition (all Odds > 19*). In addition, kinaesthetic imagery ability further enhanced responsiveness to imagery-based strategies, as participants assigned to imagery and MIMUS conditions demonstrated greater performance gains than controls with increasing kinaesthetic imagery scores (Imagery: Odds = 61.2*; MIMUS: Odds = 38.8*).
Conclusions: Mental imagery, music, and MIMUS support early motor skill acquisition across individuals with varying fitness levels and imagery abilities. Imagery-based interventions appear particularly beneficial for individuals with stronger kinaesthetic imagery skills. These findings suggest that mental practice interventions are versatile and may be broadly applicable across individuals in sport contexts.
[1] Mandolesi, L. et al., 2023 (DOI:10.1007/s00426-023-01876-y)
[2] Nurhasan, M. A. et al., 2023 (DOI: 10.47197/retos.v52.97143)
[3] Craig, C. L et al., 2003 (DOI:10.1249/01.MSS.0000078924.61453.FB)
[4] Williams, S. E. et al., 2011 (DOI: 10.1123/jsep.33.3.416)