title: Internal imagery training in active high jumpers.
abstract: The main purpose of this study was to examine whether the use of internal imagery would affect high jumping performance for active high jumping athletes. Over a period of six weeks, a group of active high jumpers were trained with an internal imagery program for a total of 72 minutes. This group was compared to a control group consisting of active high jumpers that only maintained their regular work-outs during the same time period. Four variables were measured; jumping height, number of failed attempts, take-off angle, and bar clearance. There was a significant improvement on bar clearance for the group that trained imagery (p < 0.05) but not for the control group. No other differences were found. The results suggest that internal imagery training may be used to improve a component of a complex motor skill. Possible explanations and future recommendations are discussed.
authors: Department of Integrative Medical Biology (Physiology), Umeå University, Sweden. cj.olsson@physiol.umu.se
authors: C-J
authors: CJ
authors: Olsson
authors: Bert
authors: B
authors: Jonsson
authors: Lars
authors: L
authors: Nyberg
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D014142:Track and Field / Q000523:psychology*