Performance enhancement in swimming: the effect of mental training with biofeedback.
In this study, the relationship between mental training with biofeedback and swimmers' performance was investigated. The Wingate five-step approach was used as a mental preparation technique for enhancing the performance among 16-18 year-old pre-elite swimmers. Participants (n = 40) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) experimental--regular training plus the Wingate 5-step mental training program (adapted for swimming), and (b) control--regular training plus relaxing activities. After a baseline measurement, participants were tested on running and swimming five times during a 10-week period. Results indicated that the experimental group improved its performance over time on both running and swimming, with improvement being most substantial during transformation and realisation (steps 4 and 5). In contrast, the control group remained relatively stable on both dependent measures. Results are discussed in reference to previous work on the 5-step approach, including several methodological and theoretical aspects that are particularly relevant to the use of such interventions with other athletic tasks and populations.
Bar-Eli
M
M
Department of Business Administration, School of Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Blumenstein
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods*; D012420:Running / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D013550:Swimming / Q000193:education* / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis