Routine++: implementing pre-performance routine in a short time with an artificial success simulator

Abstract

This study proposes "Routine++," a new technique to implement a pre-performance routine (PPR) in a short period of time by providing a user artificial successful experiences via a simulator. Implementing a PPR, which is the conventional approach for controlling a user's own mental state and improving performance in competitive sport, requires identifying the user's action that results in success. However, implementing PPRs is time-consuming because consistently achieving success in the real world is difficult. Therefore, the proposed technique relates user actions with artificial successes, and lets users perform a PPR in a relatively short time. In this study, we focused on putter golf as a task to evaluate the effectiveness of Routine++ because it requires consistent actions to achieve a good result. We then developed a virtual golf simulator that provides the user false feedback in terms of the user's success at achieving the objectives of golf without a feeling of incongruity. The results of our user study indicate that Routine++ helps to improve the performance of novice golfers playing under pressure. Furthermore, with this work we propose the effectiveness of practicing with computer technology to improve not only technical skills like body movements but also mental skills.