Positive Health Online

Abstract

VERGEER and ROBERTS, School of Applied Social Sciences, University of Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, UK, report on the effects of using imagery for flexibility training.

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of movement and stretching imagery on increases in flexibility.

Methodology

30 volunteers took part in a 4 week flexibility training programme. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) movement imagery, where participants imagined moving the limb they were stretching; (2) stretching imagery, where participants imagined the physiological processes involved in stretching the muscle; and (3) control, where participants did not engage in mental imagery. Active and passive range of motion around the hip was assessed before and after the programme. Participants provided specific ratings of vividness and comfort throughout the programme.

Results

The results showed significant increases in flexibility over time, but no differences between the three groups. A significant relationship was found, however, between improved flexibility and vividness ratings in the movement imagery group. Furthermore, both imagery groups scored significantly higher than the control group on levels of comfort, with the movement imagery group also scoring significantly higher than the stretching imagery group.

Conclusion

Although the imagery appeared to have stronger psychological than physiological effects, there is a potential for enhancing physiological effects by maximizing imagery vividness.

References

Vergeer I, Roberts J. Movement and stretching imagery during flexibility training. Journal of Sports Sciences 24 (2): 197-208, Feb 2006.