Attention and motor control: A study that still resonates
As a PhD student, you encounter a lot of research articles. Some are quickly forgotten, while others leave a lasting impression. One study that has stuck with me, even though it's nearly 20 years old, is "Increased movement accuracy and reduced EMG activity as the result of adopting an external focus of attention" by Zachry et al. (2005). This research explores the fascinating connection between our focus of attention and how we control our movements, and its findings have profound implications for anyone interested in improving motor skills, from athletes to musicians to those recovering from injuries.
The Power of an External Focus
The central idea of the study is that where we direct our attention during a physical task significantly impacts our performance. The researchers compared two types of attentional focus:
Internal Focus: Concentrating on the body's movements themselves, such as the feeling of muscles contracting or the position of limbs.
External Focus: Focusing on the effect of the movement on the environment, like the trajectory of a ball or the movement of an object being manipulated.
Zachry et al. found that participants who adopted an external focus achieved greater accuracy in their movements compared to those who focused internally. This finding supports a growing body of research demonstrating the benefits of an external focus for enhancing motor performance and learning across a variety of skills.
Less is More: Reduced EMG Activity with an External Focus
What makes this study particularly interesting is the use of electromyography (EMG), a technique that measures muscle activity. The researchers recorded EMG data from several muscles in the participants' shooting arms while they performed basketball free throws. They found a striking result: Participants using an external focus exhibited significantly lower EMG activity in their biceps and triceps muscles compared to those using an internal focus.
This finding is crucial because it suggests that an external focus promotes greater efficiency in movement. The reduced muscle activity indicates that the participants achieved the same outcome (accurate free throws) while expending less effort. This efficiency stems from the idea that an external focus allows the motor system to operate more automatically, relying on unconscious processes to fine-tune movements.
The Constrained Action Hypothesis
The authors explain their results using the constrained action hypothesis. This theory proposes that when we focus internally, we tend to consciously try to control our movements, leading to interference with the natural, automatic processes that govern skilled movement. This overthinking can disrupt the smooth flow of motion, resulting in decreased accuracy and increased muscle tension.
In contrast, focusing on the external effect of the movement allows the motor system to operate more freely and efficiently. It's like trusting your body to do what it knows how to do, without micromanaging every detail.
Implications for Learning and Performance
The findings of Zachry et al. have important implications for anyone involved in teaching or learning motor skills:
Instructional Strategies: Instructors and coaches should emphasise external cues and feedback, encouraging learners to focus on the intended outcome of their movements.
Practice Design: Practice sessions should include tasks that promote an external focus, allowing learners to develop a sense of automaticity and fluency in their movements.
Rehabilitation: Therapists can use external focus cues to help patients regain motor control and function after injuries or neurological conditions.
A Study with Enduring Relevance
Although the study by Zachry et al. was published in 2005, its findings remain highly relevant today. The concept of attentional focus has become a cornerstone in the field of motor control and learning, influencing research and practice across various domains. The study serves as a powerful reminder that how we think about movement can have a profound impact on how we perform. By understanding the power of an external focus, we can unlock new levels of skill, efficiency, and grace in our physical endeavours.
