The effect of an imagery training program on imagery ability, imagery use, and figure skating performance

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Abstract
The effects of an imagery training program on imagery ability, imagery use, and figure skating performance were investigated. In addition, the influence of imagery training on skating performance was compared to verbalization training. The study employed two groups of figure skaters, an imagery training group, and a verbalization training group. All skaters were assessed for movement imagery ability, their use of imagery, and their skating performance prior to and following a 16-week training period. During this training period the imagery and verbal groups received instruction and guidance in the use of their respective types of mental practice. The imagery group improved in visual movement imagery ability and showed several changes in imagery use. Specifically, they were more likely to use imagery in practice, had more structured imagery practice sessions, and could more easily visualize and feel certain aspects of their skating performance compared to the verbalization group, In terms of performance, skaters in both the imagery and verbalization groups attempted and passed more skating tests than would normally be expected.