K. Munroe-Chandler, T. Loughead, Erkin G. Zuluev, Frank O. Ely
{"title":"An imagery-based intervention for managing anxiety in esports","authors":"K. Munroe-Chandler, T. Loughead, Erkin G. Zuluev, Frank O. Ely","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2023-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2023-0005","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The popularity and commercial success of videogames in the current era has given rise to a new type of competition: electronic sports (or esports). Researchers have proposed that esports players would benefit greatly from the applied sport psychology work typically conducted with traditional athletes and more specifically from evidence-based interventions. Imagery interventions have proven beneficial for the traditional athlete at managing anxiety in competitive settings, and in fact League of Legends players have noted the importance of mental skills, including imagery, to achieving optimal performance. The aim of the current paper is to provide practitioners with an imagery intervention specifically designed for managing anxiety in League of Legends players. Three 30-min workshops are described wherein the practitioner follows the three phases of Psychological Skills Training; education, acquisition and practice.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43766637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using imagined partners to enhance esports performance","authors":"S. Forlenza","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2022-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2022-0022","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract With the growing popularity of esports, performance psychology consultants – and players themselves – are looking at how esports athletes can perform better. Many esports are team-based, meaning that performance depends not just on an individual’s skill level, but on how well each individual works with their teammates. While several group dynamics processes have been identified in esports settings that could play a role in team performance, these processes may also affect individuals. Esports athletes can use imagery to simulate partner and team interactions to help improve their individual performance, in turn helping their team succeed. This article will outline relevant group dynamics processes that affect esports teams and individuals, discuss how esports athletes can combine imagery with group dynamics, and close with several recommendations for using imagined teammates to enhance effort and performance.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46158340","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Reducing the fear of re-injury during rehabilitation through mental imagery as a mental health strategy in sport and exercise","authors":"Riki Lindsay, Dominic McNeil, Michael Spittle","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2023-0032","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2023-0032","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Returning to sport and exercise following injury requires the athlete to become more confident in the ability to gradually explore the use of the injured area in increasingly complex and challenging ways. Emotional responses, such as fear of re-injury, are a key mental health barrier to a performer’s return to sport and exercise. To navigate such psychological responses, performers need well-developed psychological strategies, like mental imagery (MI), to facilitate a successful return to pre-injury levels of sport and exercise. MI is a well-established strategy for dealing with negative symptoms associated with injury, providing a safe and less intimidating environment to practice movements that may be perceived as risky and otherwise performed within physical training due to the fear of causing further injury. This paper aims to provide sport psychologists with recommendations on how to utilize MI to reduce fear of re-injury during the rehabilitation process to successfully facilitate return to sport and exercise. Specific examples are also outlined and discussed.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":"33 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136302774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Imagery and flow: using imagery to induce flow states","authors":"Kristin Noel Mauldin","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2023-0028","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2023-0028","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract In this review I describe how imagery can be used to help increase the likelihood of entering into a flow state. Flow, the experience of being fully absorbed in a task, leads to greater task enjoyment and has been tied to improved performance.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":"16 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136207094","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A systematic review utilising Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) to explore the use of imagery interventions in youth sport","authors":"Dawn Armstrong","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2023-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2023-0008","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Imagery is one of the most researched and widely implemented psychological skills in sport and extensive research has shown imagery to be an effective technique in enhancing motor performance in that domain. Equally, research has also found imagery to have positive effects on a wide array of performance outcomes, however, the literature concerning imagery and youth athletes is lacking even though imagery has been shown to positively contribute to early experiences in sport. A total of 13 studies (n=504) showed some consistency in study authorship with diversity across participant age groups, sport, location (country), design and analysis, sample size, performance measures and intervention time and technique. Additionally, similarities were also found in imagery assessment and reported outcome success, which has shown imagery as being an effective intervention across certain conditions in sport. As this review was the first in sport psychology to utilise the Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM; 2020) reporting guideline, limitations existed in presenting a thorough investigation into heterogeneity, as well as an assessment of certainty of findings due to the incomparability of study methods. Results have therefore evidenced the usefulness of imagery in contributing to successful performance outcomes in youth sport, but a greater understanding of how to implement imagery interventions at this level is still needed. With respect to participant age, athletic development and developmental psychology models can play a critical role in further informing interventions with young performers.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49407862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Examining duration in the imagery dose-response relationship","authors":"Sho Itoh, T. Morris, M. Spittle","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2022-0020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2022-0020","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Objectives Imagery training is an effective technique in sport psychology for skill development and enhancement at various levels of skill performance. Despite its application, there is limited evidence to inform decisions around the appropriate doses of imagery duration for performance enhancement of movement in sport and physical activity. The aim of the present study was to experimentally determine whether different imagery durations (8, 13, and 18 min durations in a session) have differential effects on the performance of free-throw shooting (FTS) in the sport of basketball. We applied a dose-response imagery protocol, in which one imagery variable was varied systematically, while other key dose variables were held constant. Methods We recruited 36 male basketball players (M age=25.17 years SD=4.26) and allocated them to one of three imagery training conditions or a control condition. Participants in the control condition had no imagery training sessions. Imagery repetitions were held constant at 20 repetitions per imagery session with a frequency of 3 imagery sessions per week over four weeks. Results The results showed that the 13- and 18-min imagery durations were more effective than the 8-min duration condition for the basketball free-throw shooting. The 13-min condition was significantly higher at post- and retention-test than at pre-test, indicating it was most effective in this study. Conclusions The findings of the present study highlight the importance of imagery duration in imagery training design and may inform coaches, sport psychologists, and athletes in designing effective programs for individual athletes.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44852534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The effect of imagery on performance and level of self-criticism of athletes","authors":"Veronika Korim, Bronislava Strnádelová","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2022-0017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2022-0017","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Objectives The aim of this research was to expand knowledge on the use of PETTLEP based guided imagery scripts, as a mental practice, for increasing performance and reduction of self-criticism in athletes. Imagery can serve not only as an accessory, but also as a replacement for part of the training process, as it has the potential to increase the athlete’s performance. Methods The research group consisted of 78 recreational CrossFit athletes who regularly work out and participate in group trainings. The participants were divided into three groups. The physical practice group trained two series of pushups, the imagery group, in accordance with the prescribed script based on the PETTLEP model, visualized these pushups and the role of the control group was to stretch before training. The intervention lasted 4 weeks, with a frequency of three times per week. Results The results showed that imagery is an effective tool for increasing the performance of athletes and in combination of with regular exercise can result in additional performance gains. There have been significant shifts in our study, in some subscales, specifically within groups. In the imagery group, it was namely the subscale of inadequate and reassuring self. In the physical practice group, the shift also occurred in the inadequate self-subscale and the hated self-subscale. However, after comparing these results with the other two groups, there were no significant differences. Conclusions The results confirm the potential of using imagery for increasing performance and reducing self-criticism.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46490889","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehdi Amini Farsani, M. Shahbazi, S. Tahmasebi Boroujeni
{"title":"Improvement in soccer goalkeepers’ spatial anticipation during penalty kicks as a result of PETTLEP imagery intervention","authors":"Mehdi Amini Farsani, M. Shahbazi, S. Tahmasebi Boroujeni","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2023-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2023-0022","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Objectives This examined the effect of PETTLEP imagery on the spatial anticipation of novice soccer goalkeepers during penalty kicks. Methods Twenty-four adolescent male goalkeepers (Meanage: 14.14 ± 1.10) were selected and divided randomly into two groups. In the pretest, the goalkeepers responded to 12 video stimuli to evaluate spatial anticipation. The goalkeepers in the experimental group listened to the audio file of the PETTLEP imagery for 6 sessions where the control group was engaged in goalkeeper training only. Results Results showed the group under PETTLEP imagery intervention had a significant difference from the control group in post-test (p=0.004). Conclusions 6 sessions PETTLEP Imagery intervention has improved anticipation of novice goalkeepers during penalty kicks.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45752532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The effects of imagery training on free-throw accuracy among young basketball players","authors":"Matúš Slančo","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2021-0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2021-0018","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Objectives The influence of mental imagery training on the performance of adolescent basketball players in free-throw task was examined using an experimental design and the results revealed significantly better improvement among players who practiced using mental imagery compared to the control group. Methods The training program was based on adjusted MIIMS imagery model, and 81 basketball players (aged 13–17) from five junior competition-level teams were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group, where players practiced free throws only physically. Players from both groups underwent a total of 14 training sessions at the end of practices during a 7-week period. Their performance in a free-throw task was measured pre- and post-intervention along with multiple factors that could influence changes in performance. Results Comparison of groups with both parametric and non-parametric tests revealed a significant improvement in the experimental group and non-significant improvement in the control group. Furthermore, correlation and regression analyses discovered several statistically significant factors that might influence the performance change. Conclusions The findings not only help in understanding the role of imagery in training routines of young athletes, but they also reveal several methodological implications for future research.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":"17 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47926860","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Influence of imagery-based suggestions on performance during the training of professional firefighters","authors":"A. Coutté, Agathe Harle, Laura Dias Da Silva","doi":"10.1515/jirspa-2021-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1515/jirspa-2021-0012","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Objectives For several decades, a growing number of studies have highlighted that imagery-based suggestions, can efficiently influence motor control and perception. In the present study, we tested whether imagery-based suggestions without hypnotic induction might influence physical resistance performance and effort perception in the context of French firefighters’ usual training. Methods A group of 18 male firefighters had to keep the wall-sit posture as long as they could while listening to different scripts. In the first condition, imagery was related to Lightness. In the second one, it was related to Heaviness. In the Control condition, they just had to listen and pay attention to series of two-digit numbers. Results Results showed that the participants kept the posture longer in the Lightness condition than in the Heaviness one. Furthermore the effort was perceived as less difficult in the Lightness condition in comparison to the Heaviness and the Control ones. Moreover in the Lightness condition, the higher the participants scored in visual and kinesthetic imagery tasks (MIQ-R), the less they rated the exercise as difficult. Conclusions Imagery-based suggestions significantly influenced both physical resistance performance and effort perception without any prior hypnotic induction. Further studies are necessary to better understand the factors that modulate this influence.","PeriodicalId":39479,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48432120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}