title: Attentional Focus in Motor Learning, the Feldenkrais Method, and Mindful Movement.
abstract: The present paper discusses attentional focus in motor learning and performance from the point of view of mindful movement practices, taking as a starting point the Feldenkrais method. It is argued that earlier criticism of the Feldenkrais method (and thereby implicitly of mindful movement practices more generally) because of allegedly inappropriate attentional focus turns out to be unfounded in light of recent developments in the study of motor learning and performance. Conversely, the examples of the Feldenkrais method and Ki-Aikido are used to illustrate how both Western and Eastern (martial arts derived) mindful movement practices might benefit sports psychology.
authors: University of Vienna, Austria josef.mattes@univie.ac.at.
authors: Josef
authors: J
authors: Mattes
mesh_terms: D001288:Attention / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000502:physiology*; D064866:Mindfulness; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Feldenkrais method; constrained action hypothesis; external focus of attention; mindful movement; self-invoking trigger hypothesis