Abstract
While focusing attention on external cues (EF) has been shown to enhance performance track and field coaches tend to provide instructions that promote internal focus of attention (IF) during block starts. The aims of this study were to determine: (1) whether promoting EF versus IF would improve reaction time (RT) of sprinters, and (2) if changes occur at the level of central processes during movement preparation (premotor RT) or peripheral processes during movement execution (motor RT). Twelve collegiate track sprinters (age 20.8 ± 1.7) completed three testing sessions under EF, IF, and no focus instruction (NF) conditions. RT was recorded from the left and right blocks. Muscle activation time (EMG) was recorded from the vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius muscles. Mean rear foot RT was significantly shorter (p < 0.0001) under the EF (212.11 ms) compared with the IF (234.21 ms) and NF conditions (236.87 ms). Front foot RT was significantly shorter (p < 0.05) during EF (250.24 ms), compared to IF (266.98 ms) but not shorter than the NF (268.73 ms) condition. Mean premotor RT under the EF condition (157.75 ms) was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) compared with the IF (181.90 ms) and NF (173.60 ms) conditions. No differences were found in motor RT across conditions (p > 0.05). Adopting an EF improves RT during sprint starts. This improvement likely originates from a shortening in movement preparation time, as opposed to a faster excitation contraction coupling of the muscle fibers. These findings could potentially contribute to the development of new coaching methods aimed at improving the starting technique of athletes.
Highlights
The start of a short distance running race can have profound effects on the outcome, accounting for approximately 5% of total race time in the 100 m dash [1]
The rate of force production, as illustrated by the time to peak force, was similar under the different focus conditions indicating that the muscles were contracting at the same velocity regardless which type of attentional focus was adopted. These results indicate that all peripheral mechanisms related to the contraction of the muscles, occurred across the different conditions, further suggesting that any improvements in reaction time (RT) under the external focus (EF) condition were due to a shortening of the time required for the central processes to occur
The present experiment provides important new electrophysiological evidence that suggests that adopting an external focus of attention does reduce movement preparation time
Summary
The start of a short distance running race can have profound effects on the outcome, accounting for approximately 5% of total race time in the 100 m dash [1]. The goal is to accelerate from the starting block in a linear direction as quickly as possible following the reaction to a gunshot, allowing the athlete to reach maximum running velocity as quickly as possible. Integration of any variable that reduces race time has the potential to benefit these athletes. In addition to biomechanical and physiological factors, the efficacy of information processes involved in movement preparation and execution could influence the production speed of complex tasks that require a quick response to a stimulus and the coordination of multiple effectors [2]. The focus of a performer’s attention may be one such factor that could enhance reaction time (RT) during the start of a sprint race. An EF requires focusing on the intended movement effect on an implement or the environment, whereas an IF requires the Sports 2018, 6, 120; doi:10.3390/sports6040120 www.mdpi.com/journal/sports
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