The psychophysiological effects of a dual task, task difficulty, and pressure on skilled motor performance

Henderson, Jennifer Louise (2022). The psychophysiological effects of a dual task, task difficulty, and pressure on skilled motor performance. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis aimed to explore the psychophysiological effects of a dual task, task difficulty, and pressure on skilled motor performance. More specifically, how preparatory cardiac activity in the seconds preceding performance may be indicative of attentional processes, and whether isolated pressure manipulations have equal effects. Firstly, the combined results of this thesis demonstrate that depending on the pressure applied, different psychophysiological responses may be exhibited. Thus, pressure may not have equivalent effects. Secondly, a novel self-report measure which assesses attentional focus from a more multi-dimensional perspective is presented. Finally, heart rate deceleration was established in two previously explored contexts and one novel task. Pre-performance cardiac activity was found to differ as a function of task difficulty and pressure. Experts were shown to exhibit heart rate deceleration during characterisation of a full golf swing - a more physically demanding task than has been previously explored. However, in contrast to existing findings, intermediate golfers did not. These results are discussed in the context of further support for the relationship between attention processes and preparatory bradycardia in relation to expertise, performance, and self-focus theories of choking. Unlike previous literature, which implied the magnitude of bradycardia may be important for skilled motor execution, the rate of heart rate deceleration proved to be the best correlate of performance. A new model of the rate of heart rate deceleration indicating attentional efficiency is presented as a result.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):