Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

20

Date

2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Health and Human Performance

Concentration

Exercise and Sport Science

Committee Chair

Yuhua Li

Committee Member

Mary Fry

Committee Member

Richard Dale

Abstract

While previous research has suggested mental imagery (MI) is beneficial to sport performances, limited studies have addressed the underlying neurological influences of MI. The current study investigated: 1) which type of MI is preferred by novice and elite soccer athletes, visual or kinesthetic and 2) if EEG patterns vary based on ability to use imagery and skill level. Thirty-eight elite soccer athletes and 17 novice players performed three simple movements physically, then mentally rehearsed the movement with eyes closed, followed by MI on six soccer scenarios. EEG data, self rating on imagery tasks, and imagery preference were recorded. Visual imagery was found to be preferred by both groups with the elite group having a higher ability to use MI. Moreover, alpha amplitude of EEG significantly decreased during MI of soccer scenarios for the elite group, not the novice, suggesting extensive soccer experience might be associated with more focused and greater concentration during MI.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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