title: Selective influence of circadian modulation and task characteristics on motor imagery time.
abstract: In this study, we examined the effect of circadian modulation on motor imagery (MI) time while also considering the effects of task complexity and duration. The ability to imagine in real time was influenced by circadian modulation in a simple walking condition, with longer MI times in the morning and evening sessions. By contrast, there was no effect of circadian rhythm in the complex, short or long walking conditions. We concluded that motor imagery time is modulated during the course of the day, but the effect of task difficulty is stronger than circadian modulation in altering the temporal congruence between physical practice and MI performance. Practical applications in motor learning and rehabilitation are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Center of Research and Innovation in Sport, University of Lyon.
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Debarnot
authors.forename: Djafar
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sahraoui
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Champely
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Collet
authors.forename: Aymeric
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Guillot
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007092:Imagination / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult