The Effect of Attentional Interference on a Rock Climbing Task: A Pilot Study

Authors : Patrick YOUNG

Pages : 10-19

View : 19 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2012-01-16

Article Type : Other Papers

Abstract :Preparatory behavior has been identified as being beneficial insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(i.e., achieving optimal emotional states, focused attention, etc.); to performance within various sport domains.    Participants of risk sport insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(i.e., rock climbing, surfing, skydiving, among others); have been reported to engage in this behavior insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(i.e., preparatory routines, plans, strategies, etc.); in an attempt to reduce the degree of uncertainty within their domains. The ability to employ this type of behavior however requires cognitive resources and attentional focus. The present pilot study examined the effect of decreased cognitive resources insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(i.e., through interference tasks); on performance in a risk sport activity insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(i.e., rock climbing);. Rock climbers insert ignore into journalissuearticles values( N = 18);, whose attentional focus was manipulated through a series of resource-depleting tasks, climbed significantly slower, t insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(16); = -2.34, p   Keywords: Risk sport, cognitive interference, planning, performance 
Keywords : Risk sport, cognitive interference, planning, performance