The Effect of Motivational General-Mastery Imagery on Reaction Time Performance and Heart Rate

Location

Waters College of Health Professions (WCHP)

Session Format

Oral Presentation

Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors

Dr. Brandonn Harris, Faculty Advisor

Abstract

Research suggests that imagery can reduce reaction time (Alikhani et al., 2001; Grouios, 1992; Hanshaw & Sukal, 2016; Iftikhar et al., 2018; Shanks & Cameron, 2000). Previous studies examining the imagery and reaction time relationship have almost exclusively focused on motor imagery. Additionally, a recent study by McNeil and colleagues (2019) suggested that individuals may not be able to generate unpredictable stimuli during imagery. The current study addresses the relationship between motivational general imagery and reaction time. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of motivational general-mastery (MG-M) imagery on the reaction times and heart rate of NCAA Division I college athletes. Reaction time will be measured using the Dynavision D2 visuomotor training device. Reaction time will also be assessed while athletes undergo a cognitive stress component administered via the Dynavision apparatus. A within-subjects and between-subjects pre-posttreatment design will be applied with a sample of at least 20 participants. Results from this study are a means to quantify the effects of athletes’ use of MG-M imagery on reaction time and may support the implementation of imagery in training regimens devised by coaches and athletes.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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Presentation (Open Access)

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The Effect of Motivational General-Mastery Imagery on Reaction Time Performance and Heart Rate

Waters College of Health Professions (WCHP)

Research suggests that imagery can reduce reaction time (Alikhani et al., 2001; Grouios, 1992; Hanshaw & Sukal, 2016; Iftikhar et al., 2018; Shanks & Cameron, 2000). Previous studies examining the imagery and reaction time relationship have almost exclusively focused on motor imagery. Additionally, a recent study by McNeil and colleagues (2019) suggested that individuals may not be able to generate unpredictable stimuli during imagery. The current study addresses the relationship between motivational general imagery and reaction time. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of motivational general-mastery (MG-M) imagery on the reaction times and heart rate of NCAA Division I college athletes. Reaction time will be measured using the Dynavision D2 visuomotor training device. Reaction time will also be assessed while athletes undergo a cognitive stress component administered via the Dynavision apparatus. A within-subjects and between-subjects pre-posttreatment design will be applied with a sample of at least 20 participants. Results from this study are a means to quantify the effects of athletes’ use of MG-M imagery on reaction time and may support the implementation of imagery in training regimens devised by coaches and athletes.