Abstract
Authors: Shelby P. Rodden-Aubut
Objectives: It has been proven that there is a possibility to improve the strength of a muscle through the use of imagery. The aim of this study is to determine whether or not, if the increase in strength is possible, the use of imagery can provide significant increases in a skill related task – in this case, kicking. The purpose of the experiment is to determine if imagery alone can be sufficient in the acquisition and or improvement of a soccer kick for accuracy.
Design: A quantitative comparison to explore the link between imagery practice and kicking practice on skill maintenance, acquisition, and improvement.
Method: A comparison of participant scores from control, physical practice, and imagery practice interventions to determine improvement from baseline kicking scores to final kicking scores. Baseline scores and final scores were compared between groups, and the differences between baseline and final scores were compared within each group.
Results: The study demonstrated that imagery practice can provide significant increases in the performance of a skill related task when compared against the use of physical practice and no practice. The imagery practice group was the sole group to experience a significant increase at the .05 level.
Conclusions: With the results a window has been opened into the uses of imagery for the benefit of skill improvement, and the possibility to apply imagery to the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation to maintain and improve skill capacity.
