Effects of Attentional Focus on Performance in Standardized Lumbar Strength Tests

Abstract

Introduction: A significant body of research has revealed the effect of attentional focus on the performance of a variety of motor tasks. However, the effect of different directed attentional foci on performance in standardized lumbar strength tests remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of directed attentional focus on performance in standardized lumbar strength tests. Method: The sample consisted of 48 physically active adults (23.3 ± 3.1 years), distributed into three groups: external focus group (EFG), internal focus group (IFG), and control group (CG). The study consisted of two phases: Phase 1 (Pre-test) and Phase 2 (Post-test). Each phase included two tests: an isometric maximum strength test and an isometric strength control test aimed at producing 50% of the maximal value. Both tests were conducted using a lumbar dynamometer. Following Phase 1, participants received instructions according to their experimental condition. In Phase 2, after specific trials of the control and maximal strength test, participants completed questionnaires to assess their attentional focus during the tests. Results: No significant differences were found between the groups in either the isometric maximum strength or the isometric strength control tests at any phase of the study. In the isometric strength control test, all groups showed improvement from- pre to post-test. The attentional focus questionnaire results indicated that both the EFG and IFG primarily adhered to the provided instructions. Conclusions: Different attentional focus instructions do not benefit isometric maximal strength or control lumbar strength performance in active young adults. These findings contrast with a portion of previous studies and highlight the complex relationship between attentional focus and motor performance.