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Vividness and Transformation of Mental Images in Karate
Abstract
Background: Systematic reviews have shown that imagery improves performance in motor tasks. Objective: In order to observe the function of imagery in sport, this study investigated modifications in Imagery Ability, in terms of both controllability (i.e., the accurateness with which an image can be operated mentally) and vividness (i.e., the precision richness of an image), in competitive and recreational karateka. Method: Thirty volunteers karateka completed the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire, the Vividness of Movement Imagery Questionnaire-2, and the Subtraction of parts Task. Results: Competitive athletes reported higher scores on imagery ability than recreational athletes. No correlations were found between the variables of Vividness and the Subtraction of parts Task for any of the two groups. All analyses were two-tailed with α at .05. Conclusion: The study has risen the investigation in the particular ambit of imagery ability, providing an additional support for the multidimensional nature of mental imagery and for its usefulness in athletes.
Keywords: imagery, motor tasks, karate, static vividness
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