External attentional focus is a technique in motor learning and performance that involves directing attention to the environment, the desired outcome, or an external object or implement related to the movement or skill being performed. This approach stands in contrast to internal attentional focus, which directs attention to the body’s movements and sensations.
Key Facts
- Definition: External attentional focus involves directing attention to the environment, the desired outcome, or an external object or implement related to the movement or skill being performed.
- Benefits in performance: Research suggests that adopting an external focus of attention can improve performance in various domains. It has been shown to enhance balance, accuracy, power, speed, and endurance.
- Examples of external focus cues: External focus cues can vary depending on the specific movement or skill. For example, in a golf swing, an external focus cue could be to focus on the clubhead or the target. In a jump, an external focus cue could be to focus on pushing away from the ground.
- Mechanisms: The benefits of external attentional focus are thought to be related to the automaticity and efficiency of movement execution. It is believed that external focus cues facilitate the activation of more automatic and efficient movement patterns, allowing for better performance.
- Application in coaching and rehabilitation: Coaches and practitioners can use external attentional focus instructions to enhance skill acquisition and performance. By providing athletes or patients with specific external focus cues, they can help optimize movement patterns and improve outcomes.
Research has demonstrated that adopting an external focus of attention can improve performance in various domains, including balance, accuracy, power, speed, and endurance. This is believed to be due to the automaticity and efficiency of movement execution facilitated by external focus cues.
Mechanisms Underlying the Benefits of External Attentional Focus
The mechanisms underlying the benefits of external attentional focus are not fully understood but are thought to involve the activation of more automatic and efficient movement patterns. When attention is directed externally, the brain can rely on pre-programmed motor patterns stored in the cerebellum and basal ganglia, leading to smoother and more efficient movements.
Additionally, external focus cues can help reduce conscious control and overthinking, allowing for more intuitive and natural movement execution. This is particularly relevant in complex or novel tasks where excessive conscious control can hinder performance.
Applications of External Attentional Focus in Coaching and Rehabilitation
Coaches and practitioners can use external attentional focus instructions to enhance skill acquisition and performance in various settings. By providing athletes or patients with specific external focus cues, they can help optimize movement patterns and improve outcomes.
For example, in a golf swing, an external focus cue could be to focus on the clubhead or the target. In a jump, an external focus cue could be to focus on pushing away from the ground. These cues help shift the attention away from the body’s movements and towards the desired outcome or external object, promoting more efficient and effective movement execution.
In rehabilitation, external attentional focus can be used to address movement deficits and improve functional outcomes. By directing attention to specific external cues, such as maintaining a neutral spine or proper weight distribution, therapists can help patients relearn and reinforce correct movement patterns.
Conclusion
External attentional focus is a valuable technique that can enhance motor learning and performance in various domains. By directing attention to the environment, the desired outcome, or an external object or implement, individuals can activate more automatic and efficient movement patterns, leading to improved performance and better outcomes in both athletic and rehabilitative settings.
FAQs
What is external attentional focus?
External attentional focus is a technique in motor learning and performance that involves directing attention to the environment, the desired outcome, or an external object or implement related to the movement or skill being performed.
How does external attentional focus benefit performance?
External attentional focus has been shown to improve performance in various domains, including balance, accuracy, power, speed, and endurance. It is believed to facilitate the activation of more automatic and efficient movement patterns, reducing conscious control and overthinking.
What are examples of external focus cues?
Examples of external focus cues can vary depending on the specific movement or skill. In a golf swing, an external focus cue could be to focus on the clubhead or the target. In a jump, an external focus cue could be to focus on pushing away from the ground.
How can external attentional focus be applied in coaching and rehabilitation?
Coaches and practitioners can use external attentional focus instructions to enhance skill acquisition and performance in various settings. By providing athletes or patients with specific external focus cues, they can help optimize movement patterns and improve outcomes.
Why is external attentional focus beneficial for complex or novel tasks?
External attentional focus can be particularly beneficial for complex or novel tasks where excessive conscious control can hinder performance. By directing attention externally, individuals can rely on pre-programmed motor patterns and reduce overthinking, leading to more intuitive and natural movement execution.
How does external attentional focus promote automaticity and efficiency of movement?
External attentional focus is thought to promote automaticity and efficiency of movement by reducing conscious control and allowing the brain to rely on pre-programmed motor patterns stored in the cerebellum and basal ganglia. This leads to smoother and more efficient movements.
Can external attentional focus be used to address movement deficits in rehabilitation?
Yes, external attentional focus can be used in rehabilitation to address movement deficits and improve functional outcomes. By directing attention to specific external cues, such as maintaining a neutral spine or proper weight distribution, therapists can help patients relearn and reinforce correct movement patterns.
How does external attentional focus compare to internal attentional focus?
External attentional focus differs from internal attentional focus, which involves directing attention to the body’s movements and sensations. While both approaches can be beneficial, external attentional focus is generally more effective for enhancing performance and promoting automaticity and efficiency of movement.