L’évolution de l’image mentale du parcours chez des skieurs de fond de haut niveau

Abstract

This study has been conducted to analyse the transformation or the mental image of a competition trail, in high level cross-country skiers, involved in a controlled mental rehearsal training program. Fourteen skiers, of the Alberta cross-country ski team, have been divided in a control and an experimental group. The results, reported by drawings of the trail at different learning stages, reveal an increase in the number of «image codes» given by the experimental group. Also, the data suggest that the image codes are more static codes in the beginning of the learning process (ex : types of terrain, landmarks) but become more dynamic codes throughout the end of the learning process (ex : physical effort required, change of techniques, mental strategies). These results suggest that a controlled mental rehearsal training program addressed to high level athletes, tend to develop the nature of their mental images, namely the exactness of the visual image.