Imagery training and rowing performance
Date
1989
Authors
Steinbrink Kelly, Patricia Marguerite
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of imagery training in conjunction with peak power ergometer training, on the transfer of the peak power training to an on-the-water sprint. A secondary purpose was to investigate the effect of imagery training alone on an on-the-water sprint. Data were collected on 33 rowers. Subjects were rated on sculling ability by their coaches and then randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups; Group 1 (power and imagery training), Group 2 (power training), Group 3 (imagery training), and Group 4 (no power or imagery training). Subjects performed two 300 meter sprint tests in a single scull and three 90 second power tests on the Concept II rowing ergometer. An ANOV A on the pre sprint and pre ergometer tests reported no significant differences between groups. Percentage difference scores were calculated betwceen the pre and post sprint and ergometer tests. A oneway ANOVA on these scores, using the SPSS-X V3.l special contrasts program showed no significant difference in percentage improvement sprint scores between each of Groups 1-3 and Group 4. Significant differences in percentage improvement ergometer scores were found between Groups 1 and 4 with t(29) = 2.62: p < .007; and between Groups 2 and 4 with t(29) = 2.44, p < .010; and Groups 3 and 4 with t(29) = 2.00, p < .0275 on the ergometer tests. Athletes reported in individual logs and interviews that imagery rehearsal had been beneficial for competition preparedness and for facilitation of the technical acquisition of sculling skills.