Athletes' perceive self-control of feedforward self-modeling improves competitive performance and self-regulation

Abstract

Feedforward self-modeling (FF-SM), often an edited video displaying the self performing a task beyond one's present ability (Dowrick, 1999), has been under-researched as a tool to enhance competitive sporting performance. Ste-Marie, Rymal, Vertes, and Martini (2011) showed that experimenter controlled scheduling of a FF-SM video enhanced competitive beam performance. In this research, we allowed athletes to self-control the viewing of a FF-SM video. Nine trampolinists(M = 5, F= 4; M = 12. 7, SD= 1.6)were provided a FF-SM video of their trampoline routine and given the opportunity to control their video viewings at their leisure at 3 consecutive competitions. Through the use of 3 semi-structured interviews,we explored why the trampolinists chose to view their videos in competition and the self-reported outcomes of their viewings. Eight trampolinists used the FF-SM video throughout the 3 competitions. Coding their data revealed that the trampolinists most commonly reported using their video for the skill function of observation (i.e., to assist with motor execution). Although the self-reported outcomes included improved motor execution; they also identified changes to self-regulatory processes (e.g., higher levels of self-efficacy; greater use of task strategies and adaptive inferences). The athletes' positive reports point to the benefits of the use of FF-SM videos in competition settings. Discussion will focus on the practical implications of the research findings.

Acknowledgments: Supported by SSHRC