Primed to perform : Comparing different pre-performance routine interventions to improve accuracy in closed, self-paced motor tasks
- Authors: Mesagno, Christopher , Beckmann, Jurgen , Wergin, Vanessa , Gröpel, Peter
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology of Sport and Exercise Vol. 43, no. (2019), p. 73-81
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives: Two experimental studies were conducted to test and compare whether different pre-performance routines (i.e., left-hand dynamic handgrip and an extensive routine) can improve (and potentially have a combined effect on) accuracy in closed, self-paced motor tasks. Design/method: Study 1 used a standardised laboratory task to measure motor performance, while Study 2 was a field experiment measuring tenpin bowling accuracy and in-game performance as outcome variables. Both studies consisted of a pretest phase followed by one or two test phases using a group-specific pre-performance routine (PPR), or control, condition. Results: Results of both studies indicated that the inexperienced students (Study 1) and experienced athletes (Study 2) within the intervention groups were more accurate when using the intervention than a control group (not provided an intervention). Using a combined (i.e., left-hand dynamic handgrip and extensive) PPR may not have additive performance effects. Furthermore, using a PPR intervention did not equate to better in-game performance in Study 2. Conclusions: These studies indicate that the element of left-hand dynamic handgrip as a PPR may be comparable to control groups, but further research is needed to determine if it is comparable to extensive PPR interventions that promote concentration on the task for increased performance generally (and under pressure).
Personality and performance in real-world competitions : Testing trait activation of fear of negative evaluation, dispositional reinvestment, and athletic identity in the field
- Authors: Geukes, Katharina , Harvey, Jack , Trezise, Alexandra , Mesagno, Christopher
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Psychology of Sport and Exercise Vol. 30, no. (2017), p. 101-109
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Objectives Based on the trait activation principle, researchers have tested whether personality traits are capable of predicting sport performance (under pressure). Typically, however, these investigations followed experimental approaches in the laboratory and only rarely in the field. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to test for the generalizability of findings gained in these experimental studies and to investigate potential trait activation for real-world performance in competitions. Based on prior studies on the prediction of performance under pressure, the selected personality traits involved fear of negative evaluation, dispositional reinvestment, and athletic identity. Design Personality traits were used as predictors for low-pressure and high-pressure basketball free-throw performance. Method First, 53 basketball players completed trait questionnaires. Second, directly prior to performance assessments, participants reported on perceived importance, their somatic and cognitive state anxiety, and confidence. Third, free-throw performance was assessed in a low-pressure condition (i.e., successful free-throw percentage for 30 attempts) and repeatedly in 12 high-pressure conditions within real basketball matches (i.e., successful free-throw percentage for total attempts). Results Two main findings were identified: First, none of the traits predicted performance under low pressure. Second, under high-pressure, only fear of negative evaluation as well as state anxiety were significantly negatively associated with performance in competitions. Conclusion These results extend existing literature and add applied and ecologically valid empirical support for the relevance of anxiety-related traits (i.e., fear of negative evaluation) and states for performance under pressure in real-world competitions, emphasizing the importance of self-presentational considerations in athletes when the stakes are high. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd