Publication Date

11-4-2013

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Department

Kinesiology

Major Advisor

Eric L. Dugan, Ph.D.

Major Advisor

Laura J. Petranek, Ph.D.

Advisor

Yong Gao, Ph.D.

Abstract

Coordination variability is thought to be indicative of a cyclist’s skill level as novices have higher levels of variability than experts (Sides & Wilson, 2012). It was hypothesized that the externally focused instructions with visual feedback group would decrease coordination variability in the ankle joint to a greater extent than those in the internally focused instructions with visual feedback group. Six cyclists (30-40 years) completed a four day acquisition period and a retention test. During this time participants cycled for 10-15 minutes at a power output equal to 2.0-2.5W/kg of body mass. Participants were provided with internally or externally focused instructions and visual feedback relating to those instructions. Two separate 6 (Trial Block) X 2 (Group) Mixed Model Repeated Measures ANOVAs were used to determine if the groups’ coordination variability (via MARP and DP values) changed as a result of the intervention. Both groups responded in a similar manner with DP values increasing above pretest values because participants were asked to perform a new task. DP values tended to decrease during the intervention and at retention, DP values continued to decrease. It is believed that the intervention was not long enough to cause a lasting change in how cyclists performed.

Included in

Motor Control Commons

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