Acquiring and transferring pace skill from a simulated training environment to performance of a 3000m pursuit : the role of task specific imagery
Date
1997
Authors
Pierzchalski, Michael Irving
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of imagery to enhance nonspecific training for pacing in the 3000m pursuit. Twenty-four competitive cyclists were randomly divided into four training groups; physical practice only (PP), imagery prior to physical practice (IPP), imagery during physical practice (IDP), and control. The results of each subject's pace profile for the pre and post tests were compared to an optimal pace profile (OPP) developed by Wilberg and Pratt (1987), and the deviations recorded.
The results of a one way 'ANOVA on the deviations from the OPP demonstrated that there was no significant (p=0. 35) difference between the groups on the pretest. However, there was significant (p=0.028) difference between the groups on the post test. Further analysis demonstrated that both the IPP and PP groups deviated significantly from the control in the post test. Examination of the pretest and post test performances demonstrated that only the IPP group showed a significant (p=0.035) change in their pace profile over the training period.