Abstract
This review aimed to perform a meta-analysis examining the following: (a) acute effects of adopting an internal focus vs. external focus of attention on muscular strength; and (b) long-term effects of adopting an internal focus vs. external focus of attention during resistance training on gains in muscular strength. We searched through five databases to find eligible studies. Random-effects meta-analyses of standardized mean differences were conducted to analyze the data. Ten studies were included. In the meta-analysis for the acute effects, there was a significant positive effect of external focus on muscular strength (standardized mean difference: 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.22, 0.46). In the meta-analysis for the long-term effects, there was no significant difference between training with an internal focus and external focus on muscular strength gains (standardized mean difference: 0.32; 95% confidence interval: –0.08, 0.73). In the subgroup analysis for lower-body exercises, we found a significant positive effect of training with an external focus on muscular strength gains (standardized mean difference: 0.47; 95% confidence interval: 0.07, 0.87). In summary, our findings indicate an acute increase in muscular strength when utilizing an external focus of attention. When applied over the long-term, using an external focus of attention may also enhance resistance training-induced gains in lower-body muscular strength.
Highlights
The importance of attentional focus on motor learning is well-established [1]
In this meta-analysis, we found an acute increase in muscular strength when adopting an external focus of attention
Our findings indicate an acute increase in muscular strength when utilizing an external focus of attention
Summary
The importance of attentional focus on motor learning is well-established [1]. Most commonly, studies compare the effects of internal focus vs. external focus of attention [1]. Studies compare the effects of internal focus vs external focus of attention [1]. Internal focus involves focusing on bodily movements, whereas external focus consists of focusing on an external object related to the task [1]. Wulf et al [2] published a seminal study that compared the effects of internal focus vs external focus on motor learning. This study found that adopting an external focus enhanced motor learning of slalom-type movements on a ski-simulator. Many other studies have been published on this topic These studies have generally demonstrated that adopting an external focus of attention is beneficial for the performance of tasks in different sports such as golf, rowing, and basketball [3,4,5]. Research in the field explored the effects of attentional focus strategies on movement coordination and landing biomechanics in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction [6,7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
