The effect of imagery on the transfer of cycle ergometer training to on-ice skating speed
Date
1991
Authors
Kelly, George Peter
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Abstract
This study investigated the effect of using mental imagery in conjunction with cycle ergometer training on the transfer of this training to on-ice skating speed. Thirty-two male ice hockey players were pre-tested on the 60 ft on-ice skating sprint (60SS), the 120 ft onĀ ice skating sprint (120SS), and the Wingate 30 s cycle ergometer test. Subjects were assigned to one of three groups: physical training on the cycle ergometer (PT), physical training on the cycle ergometer while engaging in imagery of the on-ice skating sprint (PTMI), and the control (CON). A one-way ANOV A of pre-test scores revealed no significant differences between the groups on the 60SS, 120SS, or on an anaerobic alactic power (AAP) score from the Wingate 30 s cycle ergometer test. Following a six week training period, all subjects were retested. A one-way ANOV A of post-test scores revealed no significant differences between the groups on the 60SS or the 120SS. The PT and
PTMI groups scored significantly higher AAP outputs than the CON. These results support the specificity of training hypothesis, but show no support for the use of imagery in conjunction with cycle ergometer training for the enhancement of on-ice skating speed.