Mental Training

Effective communication is central to coaching. Suggestive influencing is expected to occur interpersonally; directly or indirectly, with or without intention. Even without our awareness, we are engaged in a process of suggestive influence. Despite the role suggestions can play in all communicative relationships, very little has been written about how coaches can utilise them to enhance their effectiveness and better meet their coachees’ needs. Although suggestion and suggestibility have been traditionally associated with hypnosis, hypnosis is not required for suggestive influence. When used skillfully, suggestions may affect perception, behavior, cognition, emotion and motivation in a pre-planned manner. They may be intentionally incorporated into a coaching dialogue or added to existing coaching techniques. This paper discusses the nature of suggestions, offers guidelines on how to enhance their impact and describes specific suggestive techniques with accompanying examples which coaching professionals can strategically incorporate in their coaching practice.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of mental training on the increase in attention and manual response in certain athletes (skiers). The subjects within are samples are aged 12±5 and 16±1. The athletes who participated in this study are part of ski groups within School sports clubs. The experimental group comprises athletes from Gheorgheni, Baia-Sprie, while the control group includes of athletes from Topliţa, Sibiu, Predeal and Sinaia. We applied the ACRM (focused attention with manual response) test, because it provides information on the ability of remaining focused during activities with imposed pace and with dynamic field of observations. We conducted these tests after applying certain mental training techniques in the experimental group and after comparing the scores with those obtained by the control group. For the analysis, we used the SPSS 15.0 software. For the comparison of means between the groups of subjects, we applied ANOVA for the VP, EP and EX posttest measurements. The purpose was to determine whether the two groups have similar scores before the intervention. We applied mental imagery techniques on certain components of alpine skiing technique, based on hand-eye coordination. We also calculated a t test for dependent samples for VP, EP and EX, in posttest, to the end of establishing whether the intervention led to any alterations. The means and standard deviation for VP are as follows: for the control group 10.00±6.04 and for the experimental group 4.04±3.85; for EP test, the values for control group are 18.54±9.12 and for the experimental group 9.83±4.40; EX – the values obtained for the control group 0.86±0.07 and for the experimental group 0.92±0.05. The values for (t) Student Test were the following: for VP t=4.074, p<0.000; EP t=4.203, p<0.000; EX t=3.279, p<0.002. Considering both the comparative analysis of scores to the tests.

Coaching psychology has not given much thought to hypnosis, despite its long history of applications in enhancing human abilities and potentials. Since a range of psychotherapeutic strategies have been successfully transitioned to coaching and are commonly practiced by coaches and coaching psychologists, it is suggested that hypnotic techniques and principles can also be successfully employed to meet coaching objectives. This paper mainly discusses: (a) the use of self-hypnosis for the coachee; (b) adapting ageprogression and age-regression to fit coaching needs; and (c) the use of indirect suggestions in the coaching dialogue to enhance coachee receptivity. The term ‘coaching hypnosis’ is proposed when referring to the use of hypnosis in coaching as it will help to separate links with hypnotherapy and encourage it to build an identity of its own.

How does Philo of Alexandria depict the formation of a wise person? This article pays attention to the centrality of spiritual training in Graeco-Roman philosophy, and argues that Philo likewise regards the process of seeking wisdom as entailing mental practice. The analysis focuses on two passages of Quis rerum divinarum heres sit and Legum allegoriarum where Philo attributes lists of spiritual exercises to the figure of Jacob. As such, these accounts illustrate how Philo makes use of scriptural interpretation as he imagines the execution of a life dedicated to wisdom. The listed exercises are largely familiar from Graeco-Roman philosophical traditions, yet they coexist with and contribute to the performance of Philo’s ancestral tradition. This mélange of cultural elements suggests that Philo discusses Jacob’s inner cultivation in order to enable his audience to grasp (one prospect of) how to lead a Jewish philosophical life in the Roman Alexandria.

Objectives Elderly are exposed to balance dysfunction. This research aims at investigating the effect of physical exercises, mindfulness and mental training on static and dynamic balance in elderly women. Methods & Materials The participants included 60 women in the age group of 60-75 years who were categorized into four groups randomly (three experimental groups "mindfulness, mental training, and physical exercises" and a control group, with 15 members in each group. To measure dynamic and static balance, Berg Balance Scale and Sharpened Romberg test were used. Experimental groups took part in physical exercise and mental training and mindfulness training sessions for eight weeks. Each week had three sessions, and each session was of 75 minutes. Then the post-test was performed, and eight weeks after the post-test, a follow-up test was conducted. For data analyses, the variance for repeated measures and ANOVA test were used at 0.05 significant level. Results In the post-test balance scores (static and dynamic), there was no significant difference between mindfulness training and mental training groups (P<0.001). But the effects of mindfulness and mental training as compared to physical exercise and control groups were positive and significant (P<0.001). Besides , the effects of training in the physical exercise group were positive and significant compared to control group (P<0.001). In the follow-up test balance scores (static and dynamic), there was no significant difference between mindfulness training and mental training groups (P>0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between physical exercise and control groups. However, in comparison to physical exercise and control groups, the effects of mindfulness training and mental training were found to be positive and significant (P<0.001). Conclusion The study showed that physical exercises, mindfulness and mental training have a significant effect on the improvement of static and dynamic balance in elderly women, though the association of cognitive practices (mindfulness and mental training) with motor training (physical exercises) could cause a lasting impact. So, it is recommended to use physical exercises with cognitive training to improve static and dynamic balance in elderly people.

Bu calismanin amaci gelecegin sporculari olan liseli basketbolcularin mac oncesi kendilerini nasil hazirladiklarini saptamak ve mental dayaniklilik duzeylerini cesitli degiskenler acisindan incelemektir. Arastirmanin orneklem grubu 2018 yilinda bolgesel turnuvaya katilan okullarin bunyesinde egitim goren 180 sporcundan olusmaktadir. Bu arastirmada sporculara arastirmacilar tarafindan hazirlanan demografik degerlere ek olarak Sheard ve dig (2008) tarafindan hazirlanan ve Turkceye uyarlama calismasini Pehlivan (2014)’in yaptigi 13 maddelik ‘’Sporda Mental Dayaniklilik Olcegi’’ kullanilmistir. Sporcularin bu olcekten aldiklari ortalama puanlarinin cinsiyet, spor yasi ve musabaka onu nasil hazirlandiklari gibi degiskenler acisindan farklilasip farklilasmadigi incelenmistir. Elde edilen verilerin hesaplanmasinda SPSS 17 paket programi kullanilmistir. Sporculardan alinan verilerin normal dagildigi tespit edilmis ve ikili grup karsilastirmalari icin T-testi, uclu grup karsilastirmalari ici...

The samples of subjects tested are aged 12±5 and 19±1. Athletes are components of alpine ski groups within School sports clubs. The experimental group comprises athletes from Gheorgheni, Baia-Sprie, and FEFS and the control group consists of athletes from Topliţa, Sibiu, Predeal, Sinaia. Through this study, we analyzed the influence of mental training on the increase in focused attention and manual response in skiers. It is known that motor coordination and reactivity are very important in alpine skiing, (Chiș & Havatzelet, 2008). If the two components are not developed until they are fully mastered, it is impossible to achieve great results in alpine skiing. We recorded and tested the coordination between segments and the hand coordination within this study. In the experimental group, mental training techniques were applied, but not in the control group. The difference between the results is due to our intervention consisting in applying mental imagery in the most important technical elements within alpine skiing, (Akyürek, Schubö & Hommel, 2013).

Abstract Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) comprise about 70% of global disease load. The most common causes of NCD are strongly correlated to metabolic and behavioral risk factors, which are also the major contributor to metabolic syndrome (MetS). Although NCD and MetS are multifactorial, they are routinely managed and treated by conventional health care through pharmacological and invasive approaches targeted at single symptoms. In contrast, nonpharmacological metabolic approaches (NPMA) require involvement of the individual as the process of healing progresses through training and lifestyle interventions. NPMA leads to a paradigm shift in health care for an individual—from being a passive patient to becoming an active participant. Here we look at the Buteyko method and the ketogenic diet regimen for optimization of cell respiration and nutrition, respectively, and their hormetic effects for health and longevity. We consider synergistic effects from the combined use of Buteyko and ketogenic regimens and the strategies for their practical implementation as well as future perspectives.

Purpose: Mental exercise uses the same neuronal pathways involved in physical exercise to modify the pattern and function without stress caused by physical exercise. This study investigates the effect of kinesthetic imagery, active, and combined exercises (imagery and active) on the hip hyperextension and the power of selected lumbopelvic muscles in women suffering from lumbar hyperlordosis.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 36 women with lumbar hyperlordosis (age range: 30-40 years, non-athlete and without injury and surgery in the lumbar region) were selected and divided into three groups. The groups practiced three sessions per week for six weeks. We assessed the lumbar lordosis by a flexible ruler and the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the lumbopelvic muscles during hip hyperextension in the prone position by surface electromyogram. We also measured the power of the gluteus maximus using a dynamometer during hip hyperextension and the abdominal muscles using a goniometer during the double leg lowering test. All of the measurements were done before and after the intervention. The normality of the data was checked by The Shapiro-Wilk test, and the obtained data were analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA test at the significant level of 0.05.
Results: The variables of lumbar lordosis were significantly reduced in the active and combined groups in the post-test compared to the pre-test, and the strength of gluteus and abdominal muscles in the active and combined groups in the post-test significantly increased compared to the pre-test. However, the lumbar lordosis and strength of gluteus and abdominal muscles in the post-test were not significantly changed compared to the pre-test. Gluteus maximus and abdominis transverse muscle activity rates in the combined group increased significantly in the post-test compared to the pre-test, and gluteus maximus muscle activity rate in the active group increased significantly in the post-test compared to the pre-test. Gluteus maximus muscle activity in the imagery group increased significantly in the post-test compared to the pre-test. The activity of lumbar erector spinae and rectus femoris muscles decreased significantly in the active and combined groups in the post-test compared to the pre-test. However, the activity of the rectus femoris muscle decreased significantly in the image group in the post-test compared to the pre-test (P≤0.05). The results showed a significant difference between the three methods of kinesthetic imagery, active, and combined (P=0.001). There was a significant difference between the method of the imagery exercise and the active and combined exercise methods but no significant difference between methods of the active and combined exercise.
Conclusion: Imagery exercises effectively modified the EMG of some lumbopelvic muscles (gluteus maximus and rectus femoris muscles). However, it had no significant effect on the strength and degree of lumbar lordosis. The combined exercise was as effective as active exercise in modifying the EMG activity of the lumbopelvic muscles and the strength of the abdominal and gluteus maximus muscles.

Judo was created as a tool for people to develop their minds and bodies in order to achieve what they believe to be success, contributing to society and adapting to their time. Kano empirically noted that several cognitive skills that are fundamental to succeeding in life could be acquired through the practice of judo. In neuroscience, the set of these cognitive skills is called executive functions. The purpose of this research note is to correlate current neuroscientific studies with Jigoro Kano’s empirical findings about the benefits of judo practice for the development of mental skills essential for success in contemporary society. Approaches to the development of executive functions have been the subject of scientific studies in various areas, including their relationship with physical activity. Studies report that the development of executive functions through physical activity is dependent on the type of physical activity performed. The most effective physical activity for the development of executive functions are those that involves complex movements with cognitive demands. Researchers found that martial arts that involves both mind and body and requires a high level of cortical recruitment may be considered a mediator of executive functions, since this training may result in an increased cerebral blood flow to the areas of the brain responsible for executive function. Judo is a method of perfecting the human being, including improving mental skills. Studies have shown that martial arts such as judo, that emphasizes self-control, discipline and character development, are means for develop executive functions.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of mental training on the increase in attention and manual response in certain athletes (skiers). The subjects within are samples are aged 12±5 and 16±1. The athletes who participated in this study are part of ski groups within School sports clubs. The experimental group comprises athletes from Gheorgheni, Baia-Sprie, while the control group includes of athletes from Topliţa, Sibiu, Predeal and Sinaia. We applied the ACRM (focused attention with manual response) test, because it provides information on the ability of remaining focused during activities with imposed pace and with dynamic field of observations. We conducted these tests after applying certain mental training techniques in the experimental group and after comparing the scores with those obtained by the control group. For the analysis, we used the SPSS 15.0 software. For the comparison of means between the groups of subjects, we applied ANOVA for the VP, EP and EX posttest measurements. The purpose was to determine whether the two groups have similar scores before the intervention. We applied mental imagery techniques on certain components of alpine skiing technique, based on hand-eye coordination. We also calculated a t test for dependent samples for VP, EP and EX, in posttest, to the end of establishing whether the intervention led to any alterations. The means and standard deviation for VP are as follows: for the control group 10.00±6.04 and for the experimental group 4.04±3.85; for EP test, the values for control group are 18.54±9.12 and for the experimental group 9.83±4.40; EX-the values obtained for the control group 0.86±0.07 and for the experimental group 0.92±0.05. The values for (t) Student Test were the following: for VP t=4.074, p<0.000; EP t=4.203, p<0.000; EX t=3.279, p<0.002. Considering both the comparative analysis of scores to the tests.

Niniejsza praca dotyczy psychologii sportu, obszaru zajmującego się badaniem psychologicznych aspektów uczestnictwa w sporcie oraz opracowywaniem metod treningu mentalnego. Celem tej dziedziny jest pomoc zawodnikom w osiąganiu coraz lepszych wyników i realizowaniu w pełni swojego potencjału. Praca skupia się na problematyce bezpośredniego przygotowania psychologicznego do startu. Obejmuje badanie technik, pomagających zawodnikom wprowadzić się w optymalny stan startowy, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem rutyn i mantr przedstartowych.
Głównym problemem badawczym, jest próba zróżnicowania rutyn przedstartowych od mantr, rozumianych jako zachowania językowe i wykorzystujące powtarzalność języka. Praca zestawia te dwie techniki w oparciu o własne badania ilościowe i jakościowe oraz literaturę przedmiotu.
Badania ilościowe obejmowały ankietę dotyczącą technik mentalnych używanych przez sportowców przed startem. Przebadanych zostało 146 zawodników sportu klasyfikowanego. Na podstawie odpowiedzi udzielonych w ankiecie, wybrane zostały osoby do badań jakościowych. W ich ramach zostało przeprowadzonych 15 wywiadów częściowo strukturalizowanych, dotyczących użytkowania przez zawodników mantr przedstartowych.
W części podsumowującej znajduje się podstawowy opis i definicja techniki mantr sportowych oraz uwarunkowań ich używania przez zawodników. Podjęte zostały ponadto próby zróżnicowania ich od innych strategii bezpośredniego przygotowania psychologicznego do startu (takich jak rutyny przedstartowe, afirmacje i mowa wewnętrzna) skupiając się na różnicy celu stosowania i sposobu działania mantry i rutyny. Odnosi się także do aspektów stosowanych psychologii sportu, podając wskazówki nauczania zawodników omawianych technik.

Praca przygotowana pod kierunkiem dr hab. Józefa Maciuszka, prof. UJ

The purpose of the study was to investigate the individuals&#39; dynamics of perceived control and hedonic tone over time, with respect to the 4 performance states as conceptualized within the multiaction plan (MAP) model. We expected to find idiosyncratic and differentiated trends over time in the scores of perceived control and hedonic tone, typified by fluctuations among 2 optimal and 2 suboptimal types of processing during performance. Ten elite-level shooters participated in the study. They were asked to identify the most relevant, idiosyncratic core component of their shooting action and perform 120 shots distanced 10 m from the target. Subjective accounts of perceived control and hedonic tone of the core component of action were assessed prior to and after each shot. We used a probabilistic approach to derive the 4 performance categories according to 2 × 2 interactions of perceived control and performance and hedonic tone and performance. Logistic ordinal regression analysis ...

Optimizing the technical training is a primordial (essential) requirement within the entire training process in Rhythmic Gymnastics. For this reason, the purpose of this study was to improve the execution technique, to teach or correct the technical elements and to obtain high results in competitions. We have approached this theme in order to pinpoint certain mental training techniques and their application in the training process on a sample of 10 female gymnasts of the third and the second category. After interpreting the results obtained at the competitions of 2012 and 2013, we have found an increase in the scores for both execution scores and final scores. Hence, the female gymnasts scored the following values: t =-2.771 (hoop), t =-4.483 (ball), t =-2.182 (clubs) and t =-6.805 (ribbon), all with p < 0.05 threshold. The final scores obtained had the following values: t =-5.473 (hoop), t =-3.851 (ball), t =-3.184 (clubs) and t =-4.880 (ribbon), all with p < 0.05 threshold. In conclusion, we underline the idea that the role of mental training techniques is that of channelling the athlete's attitude towards the self, thus increasing self-awareness, which leads to analyzing the personal performance. Mental training is a process of acquiring a positive attitude towards the achievements set in mind.