Internal Focus Research Articles

Thinking Outside the Block: External Focus of Attention Improves Reaction Times and Movement Preparation Times in Collegiate Track Sprinters.

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.

Thinking about your running movement makes you less efficient: attentional focus effects on running economy and kinematics

ABSTRACTA number of studies have shown that attentional focus instructions can effect running economy. This study assessed spiroergometry, as well as running kinematics as a possible mechanism to explain these effects. Twelve runners had to focus their attention on either their running movement, their breathing or on a video while running on a treadmill at a set, submaximum speed. Spiroergometry and running kinematics were measured. Results revealed worse running economy in both internal focus conditions (breathing and movement) compared to the external focus condition (video), replicating previous findings. In addition, vertical oscillation during the running movement was elevated in the movement compared to the video condition, indicating a less efficient running style. No changes in kinematics were found for the breathing compared to the video condition. Therefore, consciously focusing on the running movement moves runners away from their optimised running pattern and leads to detriments in economy. The decreases in running economy in the breathing condition can be better explained by changes in breathing patterns.

Gait Stability in Older Adults During Level-Ground Walking: The Attentional Focus Approach.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of attentional focus instructions on gait stability during level-ground walking among older adults. We recruited 140 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 70.3 years, SD = 4.7 years) from elderly community centers in Hong Kong. The experiment included assessments on participant's characteristics and walking trials. During walking trials, each participant was invited to walk at a self-selected pace along a 6-m walkway. Internal focus instructions (Internal condition), external focus instructions (External condition), or no instruction (Control condition) were given in a randomized order for three trials per condition, giving a total of nine walking trials. Spatial and temporal gait parameters were measured. Results showed significantly higher body sway and variability of swing and stance time under Internal condition relative to External and Control conditions. Moreover, reduced velocity and shorter steps were demonstrated under Internal condition relative to External and Control conditions. External focus instructions did not improve gait stability in older adults when compared to Control condition. Internal focus instructions appear to compromise gait stability. Future research should investigate if walking instructions that refer to body movements explicitly compromise gait rehabilitation for older adults in clinical settings.

Adopting an External Focus of Attention Enhances Musical Performance

Two experiments are reported in which skilled musicians playing different instruments performed a piece of their choice under various attentional focus conditions. In the external focus condition, they were asked to focus on playing for the audience and the expressive sound of the music. In the internal focus condition, they were asked to focus on the precision of their finger movements (or lip movements for singers) and correct notes. In the control condition, they were asked to play the way they normally did. Expert raters evaluated the musicians’ performances for both musical expression and technical precision. In Experiment 1, external focus instructions enhanced musical expression relative to both internal focus and control conditions. There was no effect on technical precision. In Experiment 2, raters were given more detailed evaluation criteria. An external focus again led to superior musical expression compared with internal focus and control conditions. In addition, technical precision was higher within the external relative to the internal focus condition. The findings show that the advantages of focusing on the intended movement effect (i.e., externally) generalize to experienced musicians. Music teachers could offer their students specific recommendations for focus of attention during training and in concert situations to optimize learning and performance.

Are internal focuses really useful?

To evaluate the external vs. internal focus during free basketball shots in non-basketball players. For this analysis 49 subjects participated in one baseline and one experimental session. During the baseline session all the participants performed 20 free basketball shots without instructions (Non-Instructions). During the experimental session participants were randomly allocated to one group: Dominant-Group, which performed the free basketball shots with the dominant hand; or a Non-dominant Group, which performed the shots with the non-dominant hand. Both groups performed 20 throws under internal and external focus of attention conditions. In the Dominant-Group internal focus of attention resulted in a higher number of successful shots compared with the external focus condition. Our study does not support previous findings and shows that external focus of attention impairs the performance of free basketball shots with the dominant hand in comparison with internal focus and ¨no instructions¨ conditions, in non-basketball players.

The Influence of External Focus Instruction Characteristics on Children’s Motor Performance

ABSTRACTPurpose: Research has demonstrated that verbal instructions directing attention externally (i.e., toward the effect of the movement) significantly enhance motor skill performance, and this effect is enhanced when the distance of the external focus relative to the body is increased. However, few studies have investigated this distance-of-focus effect in children. The present study aimed to examine the effect of increasing the distance of an external focus on children’s motor performance in 2 experiments. Method: In Experiment 1, children performed standing long jumps under 3 instructional conditions (control, internal attentional focus, and external attentional focus). In Experiment 2, children performed standing long jumps under 4 instructional conditions (control, internal, proximal external attentional focus, and distal external attentional focus). Results: In Experiment 1, results revealed a statistically significant jump distance advantage for the external focus condition. In Experiment 2, a statistically significant jump distance advantage for the distal external focus condition was found. However, instructional and task characteristics beyond distance of focus may have been influential. Conclusions: External focus instructions benefit children’s jump performance, but specifically when they are supported by a concrete movement goal reflecting relevant performance criteria. These findings highlight the importance of examining the content of instructions and relevant task characteristics provided to children beyond attentional focus to consider their motivational characteristics.

Thailand 4.0 and the Internal Focus of Nation Branding

ABSTRACTThis paper examines nation branding in the context of post-coup Thailand. It challenges the dominant view within the nation-branding literature that nation branding is an externally-oriented, apolitical, business-derived practice aimed at increasing a country’s global competitive advantage. Instead, the paper argues, nation branding is a highly-politicised practice that is primarily aimed at changing the social attitudes and behaviours of the nation’s citizens. To demonstrate the political nature and internal focus of nation branding, this paper examines one of Thailand’s recent branding initiatives – the Thailand 4.0 project – that promotes sustainable economic growth in a digital age. The paper first discusses nation branding from a theoretical perspective drawing on studies in the fields of business, international relations, culture and the media. Secondly, it contextualises Thai nation branding within the political developments of the past decade. Thirdly, it analyses the project’s contents and surrounding discourses, drawing on primary data gathered during the author’s 2016 field research in Thailand. The paper argues that Thailand 4.0 is an exercise in internal nation branding aimed at enhancing the military junta’s power and legitimacy by “selling” a vision of economic prosperity to the Thai people in exchange for their support, trust and loyalty.

The Effects of Gender, and Functional and Cognitive Training on Postural Control in Middle-Aged People

Introduction: Postural control changes with ageing, and it is essential to study aging-related mechanisms. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of gender, and functional and cognitive training on balance control in middle-aged people. Materials and Methods: This was a practical study with subimpirical method. The participants were 80 middle-aged people (40 men and 40 women), who were selected according to inclusion criteria, and randomly assigned to eight groups of internal and external focus guidelines in cognitive and functional supra-postural tasks. The postural status was evaluated by measuring the alignment of centre of gravity (COG) through a master balancing system using modified clinical test of sensory interaction and balance (mCTSIB). Results: Based on one-way analysis of variance, men and women who took the focal point of external attention in both functional and cognitive tasks had better postural control (P = 0.002). Men with external focus in functional task had better postural control than the other groups, and Women with internal focus in cognitive tasks had the weakest postural control function. Totally, men in functional and cognitive tasks had a better postural control function than women (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Adopting functional supra-postural strategy is better than cognitive supra-postural strategy in both middle-aged men and women in order to maintain balance. Regarding the fact that women with cognitive tasks with internal focus showed a significant difference in postural control than other groups, it is advisable to focus on stress management methods under stressful conditions for instructors. It seems that these findings are useful for mentors and therapists to design equilibrium exercises by considering age, gender, and type of attention instruction to avoid falling and performing dual tasks.

Effect of Skilled Dancers' Focus of Attention on Pirouette Performance.

Extant attentional focus research has largely examined movement tasks that are outcome-focused (e.g., height of jumps, force production, and number of successful turns) with fewer studies of the movement quality or form of an aesthetic discipline (e.g., dance, gymnastics, and ice-skating). In this study, both movement form and outcomebased measures were used to assess the performance of a pirouette. Thirteen skilled dancers performed pirouettes on a force plate under three trial conditions: control (no focus instruction), external focus instruction, and internal focus instruction. Assessment of the dancers' performance was quantified by 1. variability of postural sway, 2. duration of balance sustained, and 3. quality of movement form as rated by four experienced dance teachers. To corroborate the quantitative findings, dancers' perspectives were included in the study. Statistical analysis showed that the quality of a pirouette under the influence of external or internal focus instructions did not differ in any of the measured dependent variables. However, when the results were interpreted in the context of participants' perspective, there was a perceived improvement with either the prescribed external or internal focus over the control condition.

The effect of attentional focus on local dynamic stability during a repetitive spine flexion task

The association between low back pain and spine movement control suggests that it is important to reliably quantify movement behavior. One method to characterize spine movement behavior is to measure the local dynamic stability (LDS) of spine movement during a repetitive flexion task in which a participant is asked to touch multiple targets repetitively. Within the literature, it has been well established that an individual’s focus of attention (FOA) can modulate their neuromuscular control and affect task performance. The goal of this project was to examine the unknown effect of FOA on LDS measurements and timing error during a repetitive spine flexion task that is commonly used to assess movement control. Fourteen healthy adults (7 male) were instructed to touch two targets (shoulder height and knee height) to the beat of a metronome (4 s/cycle) for 35 consecutive cycles. They completed this task under internal (focus on trunk movement) and external (focus on targets) FOA conditions. Motion capture data of the trunk and sacrum were collected at 120 Hz. The lumbar spine angle was defined as the orientation of the trunk relative to the pelvis. The local divergence exponent (λmax) was calculated from the sum of squares of the 3-dimensional spine angle. Timing error was calculated as the time difference between target touches and metronome beats. Changing an individual’s FOA had no effect on λmax calculations or timing error. Although clear task instructions are important, it is not essential to control for FOA during this movement assessment protocol.

Changing one’s focus of attention alters the structure of movement variability

Substantial evidence supports the beneficial effect of an external (vs. internal) focus of attention on task performance during goal-directed movements. Counter-intuitively, an external focus has also been shown to increase joint-level movement variability. ObjectiveTo determine whether shifting attentional focus can alter the structure of movement variability, thereby offering a probable mechanistic explanation for how adopting an external focus of attention might confer its benefits. MethodsThirty-five healthy adults (age 23–55) performed unipedal hopping under three different attentional foci: natural (no directed focus), internal focus, and external focus. Uncontrolled manifold analysis was used to examine the structure of movement variability with respect to stabilization of leg orientation and vertical leg length during hopping. Takeoff/landing event bin and stance phase integrals of performance-irrelevant and performance-destabilizing variability were compared across focus conditions. ResultsAccuracy of hopping in place improved with both external and internal foci compared to the natural condition (.004 ≤ p ≤ .035). External focus, to a greater degree than internal focus, destabilized leg orientation at takeoff and landing compared to the natural condition (.001 ≤ p ≤ .038). External focus increased – but internal focus decreased – leg length stabilization throughout stance compared to the natural condition (p < .001). ConclusionExternal focus was superior to internal and natural focus conditions in terms of increasing flexibility within the system to orient the leg differently at takeoff and landing to compensate for unintentional drift during hopping. An external focus increased leg length stabilization in stance by preferentially increasing the subset of variability that explores multiple successful performance options. These results provide an understanding of the mechanism underlying external focus benefits – improving movement variability/coordination.

The Use of Augmented Information for Reducing Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk During Jump Landings: A Systematic Review.

A comprehensive systematic review of the literature on the use of augmented information in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury-prevention programs to improve jump-landing technique was conducted. The use of motor-learning concepts could provide more robust means of preventing ACL injuries. To systematically summarize the effectiveness of augmented information in improving the biomechanical factors associated with an increased risk for ACL injury. Articles were retrieved using the electronic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar and 3 lines of truncated search words: (a) lower extremity, knee, ACL, and anterior cruciate ligament; (b) prevention, injury prevention, and prehab; and (c) augmented information, augmented feedback, feedback, cue, and instruction. We also performed a hand search of the reference lists of the screened articles. We independently assessed the methodologic quality using the Cochrane Group on Screening and Diagnostic Test Methods list. Articles were placed in 1 of 3 augmented-information categories: prescriptive, feedback, or transition. Articles were also categorized based on whether the information likely encouraged an internal or external focus of attention. The searches identified a total of 353 studies, of which 18 were included. Most researchers found that augmented information could lead to technique changes to reduce the biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injury. The average methodologic quality of the studies was 11.8 out of 17, with a range from 8 to 15. The authors of only 7 studies examined retention of the improved techniques. The evidence suggests that augmented information can be used to significantly improve the biomechanical indicators associated with ACL injury and to enhance current ACL injury-prevention programs. Combined prescriptive and feedback information that encouraged both internal and external foci led to the largest retention effect sizes.

Stroke : Highlights of Selected Articles

<i>Stroke</i> : Highlights of Selected Articles

Can Internal and External Attentional Focus Bring Change in Ballet Pirouette Turn Performance Patterns?: a pilot study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of attentional focus instructions on movement patterns in a ballet pirouette task. We were also interested on how the effects will apply in different skill levels: professionals and amateurs. Methods: Four amateur dancers (1-3 years of experience) and four professional dancers (more than 9 years of training) participated in this experiment. All were asked to perform a single pirouette turn on the non-dominant(left) side. Each dancers had 5 trials for each of the following three instructions: non-focus instruction (turn as you usually do), internal focus instruction (stretch your standing leg vertically, making a consistent turn-out with the working leg, make your head remain to the front as long as possible), and external focus instruction (push against the ground with your standing leg” and “imagine that your body spirals up to the ceiling”, and “try to keep gazing at a spot until you have to turn your head”). Data were collected with motion analysis systems having 10 cameras. We analyzed the qualitative change in individual movement patterns on each three conditions. Results: Professional dancers did not show any difference from the contrasting instructions. However, the amateur dancers showed varieties according to different focus instructions. For amateur dancers, it was possible that internal focus instructions as well as external focus gave positive effects. Conclusion: In order to apply these research findings, further research is needed with more challenging task in professional dancers. Moreover, individual tendencies on using attentional focus when learning and enhancing dance techniques should be clarified.

Are the effects of internal focus instructions different from external focus instructions given during balance training in stroke patients? A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Objective: This study aimed to assess if external focus instructions result in greater improvements in motor skill and automaticity compared to internal focus instructions in stroke patients. Design: Double-blind randomized controlled trial. Setting: Inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit. Subjects: A total of 63 stroke patients (Meanage = 59.6 ± 10.7 years; Meandays since stroke = 28.5 ± 16.6; MedianFunctional Ambulation Categories = 4). Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to an internal (N = 31) or external (N = 32) focus instruction group. Both groups practiced a balance board stabilization task, three times per week, for three weeks. Balance performance was assessed at baseline, and after one and three weeks of practice. Main measures: Primary outcome was the threshold stiffness (Nm/rad) at which patients could stay balanced. Secondary outcomes were patients’ sway (root-mean-square error in degrees) at the baseline threshold stiffness under single- and dual-task conditions, and their performance on the Timed Up and Go Test and Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation. Results: Both groups achieved similar improvements in threshold stiffness (∆= 27.1 ± 21.1 Nm/rad), and single- (∆= 1.8 ± 2.3° root-mean-square error) and dual-task sway (∆= 1.7 ± 2.1° root-mean-square error) after three weeks of practice. No differences were found in improvements in clinical tests of balance and mobility. Patients with comparatively good balance and sensory function, and low attention capacity showed greatest improvements with external focus instructions. Conclusion: External focus instructions did not result in greater improvement in balance skill in stroke patients compared to internal focus instructions. Results suggest that tailoring instructions to the individual stroke patient may result in optimal improvements in motor skill.

The placebo effect in the motor domain is differently modulated by the external and internal focus of attention

Among the cognitive strategies that can facilitate motor performance in sport and physical practice, a prominent role is played by the direction of the focus of attention and the placebo effect. Consistent evidence converges in indicating that these two cognitive functions can influence the motor outcome, although no study up-to-now tried to study them together in the motor domain. In this explorative study, we combine for the first time these approaches, by applying a placebo procedure to increase force and by manipulating the focus of attention with explicit verbal instructions. Sixty healthy volunteers were asked to perform abduction movements with the index finger as strongly as possible against a piston and attention could be directed either toward the movements of the finger (internal focus, IF) or toward the movements of the piston (external focus, EF). Participants were randomized in 4 groups: two groups underwent a placebo procedure (Placebo-IF and Placebo-EF), in which an inert treatment was applied on the finger with verbal information on its positive effects on force; two groups underwent a control procedure (Control-IF and Control-EF), in which the same treatment was applied with overt information about its inefficacy. The placebo groups were conditioned about the effects of the treatment with a surreptitious amplification of a visual feedback signalling the level of force. During the whole procedure, we recorded actual force, subjective variables and electromyography from the hand muscles. The Placebo-IF group had higher force levels after the procedure than before, whereas the Placebo-EF group had a decrease of force. Electromyography showed that the Placebo-IF group increased the muscle units recruitment without changing the firing rate. These findings show for the first time that the placebo effect in motor performance can be influenced by the subject’s attentional focus, being enhanced with the internal focus of attention.

Enhancing motor learning of young soccer players through preventing an internal focus of attention: The effect of shoes colour.

The purpose of this research was to assess how the motor learning skills in 7-years old soccer players can be improved by preventing an internal focus of attention via the use coloured shoes. We painted the classic black soccer shoes in six areas corresponding to six regions of the foot with which it is possible to interact with the ball. Thirty-four 7-years-old soccer players were randomized to two groups (Coloured n = 17 and Black, n = 17) to perform four basic football manoeuvres/tasks: reception (RECP), passing (PASS), ball management (MAGT), and shooting (SHOT). We found highly significant differences (P<0.001) in all four performance tests: mean(sd) RECP: 0.82(0.07) vs. 0.45(0.12); PASS: 0.85(0.07) vs. 0.47(0.09); MAGT: 0.91(0.09); SHOT: 1.00(1.00) vs. 0.44(0.16). Colored shoes appear to draw children’s attention away from body centered cues without explicit verbal communications. We propose that this cognitive adaptation enhanced the technical gesture by preventing the negative processes associated with action constraining when adopting an internal focus attention (perhaps by allowing the foot to adapt to surfaces and movements more naturally than conditions that promote a focus on the body movement). Consequently, this type of coloured footwear could be used during childhood to allow children to enhance the performance of basic football exercises through preventing action constraining and promoting intuitive (non-body centered) action knowledge.

Comparing cueing and constraints interventions for increasing launch angle in baseball batting.

What is the most effective coaching intervention for assisting a skilled athlete in modifying their technique? The present study directly compared 2 types of attentional cueing (internal focus [IF] and external focus [EF]) with a constraints-led approach (CLA) manipulation for teaching experienced b

Effect of Attentional Focus Instructions on Motor Learning and Performance of Patients with Central Nervous System and Musculoskeletal Disorders: a Systematic Review.

Exercise is one of the main rehabilitative interventions, commonly used to improve performance and motor learning. During the application of attentional focus strategies, External Focus of Attention (EFA) aiming at the movement effect has been reported to have more efficacy than Internal Focus of Attention (IFA) aiming at movement characteristics in healthy subjects. There are not many studies that compare the EFA and IFA instructions in people with Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Central Nervous System disorders (CNS). The purpose of this systematic review is to determine if IFA or EFA, in patients with CNS or MSK, may improve performance and have some effects on motor learning. Databases used for research: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro, PsycINFO, SCOPUS. Inclusion criteria: Randomized Controlled Trial, quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial, enrolled subjects with CNS or with MSK and compared the efficacy of EFA and IFA. The studies suggest that the EFA is better than IFA in affecting the movement execution in patients with MSK, while conflicted findings emerge in presence of CNS disorders. Studies included in the qualitative analysis showed heterogeneous methodological features in study design and conductance, so results must be interpreted with caution.

Successes of quality management systems through self-evaluation and commitment in different organizational cultures

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create a theoretical framework that shows how the specialties of the organizational culture relate to the success of quality management systems’ (QMSs) application. In addition to these variables, the dependent variables of employees’ self-evaluation and some dimensions of commitment are also analyzed.Design/methodology/approachUnsuccessful organizational implementations of ISO 9000, total quality management (TQM) and Six Sigma are presented in case studies. These conclusions are utilized to retrieve individual and organizational barriers to the variables considered in each culture.FindingsThe characteristics of adhocracy determine self-efficacy and professional commitment. Through high levels of these variables, Six Sigma can be suggested for adhocracies. The clan culture is characterized by a high level of affective commitment and self-esteem, which support the TQM together with the internal focus dimension of the culture. The market culture is characterized by a high level of continuance commitment and neuroticism, which support ISO 9000 standards together with the control dimension of the culture.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitation of the findings comes from the small sample size. The model presented is partly based on case studies; therefore, further research studies need to support or refute it.Practical implicationsIn the practical use of the results, QMSs can be selected more targeted, reducing the risk of failing quality improvement strategies.Social implicationsIncreasing and aligning quality and commitment in organizations supports the strengthening of individual and social well-being.Originality/valueThe study attempts to determine the most appropriate QMSs for organizational cultures in a complex way by analyzing the relationships between multiple organizational and individual variables.