RT Journal Article
T1 External focus of attention and autonomy support have additive benefits for motor performance in children
A1 Abdollahipour, Reza
A1 Palomo Nieto, Miriam
A1 Psotta, Rudolf
A1 Wulf, Gabriele
AB Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the combined effects of external focus instructions and autonomy support on motor performance of children. In addition, we sought to provide evidence for an increased focus on the task goal under the external focus condition by using an inattentional blindness manipulation. Design: Within-participant design. Method: Thirty-six children (mean age = 8.5 ± 1.3 years) were asked to perform a bowling task with their dominant hand. Each participant performed 8 trials under external focus (path of the ball), internal focus (hand), or control conditions. In each attentional focus condition, they performed half of the trials under a choice (autonomy support) condition, in which they were able to choose among 4 bowling balls, and a no-choice condition (white ball). Results: The external focus instruction resulted in greater bowling accuracy (i.e., more pins knocked down) than internal focus and no instructions (control). Furthermore, choice resulted in more effective performance than no choice. Thus, both factors had additive benefits for performance. There was some evidence for an increased task focus in the external condition. Conclusions: The present results show that, within the same individuals, instructions to adopt an external focus and the provision of a small choice contributed independently to enhance motor performance in children.
PB Elsevier
SN 1469-0292
YR 2017
FD 2017
LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/99114
UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/99114
LA eng
NO Abdollahipour, R., Palomo-Nieto, M., Psotta, R., & Wulf, G. (2017). External focus of attention and autonomy support have additive benefits for motor performance in children. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 32, 17-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.05.004
NO Czech Science Foundation
NO Palacky University Olomouc
DS Docta Complutense
RD 14 jun 2025