| It was the purpose of this study to determine whether an external focus of attention, previously found to be advantageous in the performance and learning of simple motor skills performed in laboratory-controlled settings, was also advantageous for the performance and learning of a more complex open motor skill performed in a field setting. Twenty-four male and female participants (18 to 30 years) completed a turning maneuver on a mountain bike. During acquisition, the internal focus of attention group was instructed to place all of their weight on their outside leg during the turn while the external focus of attention group was instructed to focus on the bicycle's trajectory through the turn. The control group was given no instruction. A retention and transfer test was performed 24 hours following acquisition. In contrast to previous findings, all groups improved their performance during the acquisition, retention, and transfer phases. |
