The Effect of the Combination of Visual Illusion and External Focus of Attention on Learning Dart Throwing Skill in Novices

Although studies has shown the effectiveness of large visual illusion and external focus of attention on motor learning in novices, there is no research evidence about the combined effect of these variables. This study aimed to investigate the combined effect of large visual illusion and external focus of attention on learning dart throwing skill in novices.

In the present study, 40 novice participants aged 18-40 voluntarily participated and were randomly divided into four groups; large visual illusion, external focus of attention, combined, and control group. The study consisted of a pre-test, practice phase, post-test, and retention test. Data analysis was performed by repeated measures analysis of variance in SPSS software version 20 (P≤0.05).

The results of the analysis of the variance test for the acquisition of dart throwing performance showed that all three effects of stage, group, and interaction were significant (P≤0.05). Accuracy increased in all groups, from pre-test to post-test. In the post-test and retention test, the experimental groups were more accurate than the control group; however, no significant difference was observed between them (P>0.05).

External focus instructions and manipulations that enhance more perceptual processes may lead to optimal performance and learning. The findings of the present study suggest that although combining large visual illusion and external focus can independently improve motor learning, the combination of these manipulations has no additive benefits.