Effects of app-based imagery training on imagery skills and technical performance in junior national squash athletes
Creators: name: Ng, Joshua
name: Noh, Young-Eun
name: Hassan, Mohamad Faithal
name: Lim, Boon Hooi
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Neuroscience
subject: Physiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Science Policy
subject: Plant Biology

description: This study explores the impact of app-based imagery and traditional methods (i.e., reflective diary) on cognitive-specific (CS) imagery in junior national squash athletes. A total of 75 participants (mean age = 15.22, <i>SD</i> = 2.14) without prior imagery training were allocated into app-based imagery (<i>n</i> = 25), reflective diary (<i>n</i> = 25), and control groups (<i>n</i> = 25). After an imagery workshop and a 12-week reinforcement, CS imagery scores were assessed pretest, post-test, and follow-up using the Sport Imagery Questionnaire (SIQ), as well as technical shot execution (i.e., drive, boast, dropshot, lob, and volley). Using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test, we examined differences in CS imagery and technical skills across timepoints. The app-based group showed significant improvements in SIQ scores at post- (<i>F</i>(2,72) = 58.53, <i>p</i> &lt; .001, <i>η<sup>2</sup></i> = 0.61) and follow-up tests (<i>F</i>(2,72) = 97.31, <i>p</i> &lt; .001, <i>η<sup>2</sup></i> = 0.73), as well as in technical skills (drive, <i>χ2</i>(2) = 40.92, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001; boast, <i>χ2</i>(2) = 45.81, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001; dropshot, <i>χ2</i>(2) = 38.57, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001; lob, <i>χ2</i>(2) = 42.51, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001; volley, <i>χ2</i>(2) = 41.81, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). A post-hoc analysis revealed that the app-based imagery group experienced the most substantial effect, surpassing reflective diary and control groups, indicating the effectiveness of app-based interventions in enhancing CS imagery and technical performance. The results demonstrate that mobile applications represent a practical and effective substitute for traditional imagery and mental skill reinforcement techniques, rendering these essential tools more accessible to athletes. This study supports the effectiveness of app-based imagery in enhancing cognitive-specific imagery and technical skills among junior national squash athletes. It presents a robust alternative to the conventional reinforcement method, demonstrating greater effectiveness in comparative testing. Implementing app-based imagery as reinforcement following an imagery workshop can enhance the retention of knowledge and behavioral change in imagery skills.Mobile application technology serves as an effective medium for delivering reinforcement plans and improving imagery and technical performance.Given its interactive design tailored to an age group accustomed to mobile learning, app-based imagery can surpass conventional methods in effectiveness. Implementing app-based imagery as reinforcement following an imagery workshop can enhance the retention of knowledge and behavioral change in imagery skills. Mobile application technology serves as an effective medium for delivering reinforcement plans and improving imagery and technical performance. Given its interactive design tailored to an age group accustomed to mobile learning, app-based imagery can surpass conventional methods in effectiveness.