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Imagery, progressive muscle relaxation and restricted environmental stimulation: enhancing mental training and rowing ergometer performance through flotation REST

University of British Columbia

Examining flotation Restricted Environment Stimulation Technique (REST) as a performance enhancement tool in sport has produced positive results. However, earlier studies using flotation REST combined the technique with guided imagery, confounding the effect that REST-only might have on sport performance. Although more recent studies have examined the effects of flotation REST-only on athletic performance, they have only considered fine motor activities. The current study tested the effects of REST, without guided imagery, on rowing ergometer performance, a gross motor, endurance activity. Further more, the study attempted to ascertain why rowers might benefit from including a period of flotation in their training regime, and whether the flotation REST environment was better for mental training than a Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) condition. Subjects (n=24) were male novice and varsity university rowers. Subjects were matched based on previous ergometer scores, imagery use, and imagery ability, and randomly assigned to either a flotation REST condition or a PMR condition. Both groups were exposed to six administrations of one condition over a 7-week period, during which time they completed three 2000-meter ergometer tests, were part of their required training schedule. Results showed a significant improvement in ergometer scores for the REST group, with no significant improvement for the PMR group. The imagery data suggest several alternative explanations for the effect of environment on mental training, while the physical training data suggest a possible link between flotation REST and recovery from physical fatigue.

Thesis/Dissertation

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2009-05-26

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http://hdl.handle.net/2429/8228

Psychology

University of British Columbia

UBCV

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