Effect of attention networks training on gaze behavior and learning in table tennis forehand skill

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of attention networks training on gaze behavior and accuracy of performing the forehand table tennis skill. The present study was semi- experimental with pre-test and post-test design with a control group. Forty-two students of Shahid Beheshti University (18-23 years) participated in this study voluntarily and were randomly divided in three groups including alerting, orienting, executive control and one control groups. Before and after eight sessions, the participants had been tested for accuracy, and their gaze behavior was recorded using the eye tracking system to determine the duration, number and location of fixation. Data were analyzed by repeated measure mixed ANOVA 3(test)*4(group) at a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the presented instructions improved the accuracy of individuals' performance in the retention test compared to the pre-test, but there was no significant difference between immediate and delayed retention. The results related to the stabilization period to find the target also showed that there was a significant difference between the orientation and executive control groups in delayed retention that the orientation group showed a longer stabilization period. Also all exercise groups had more fixation in immediate and delayed retention than pre-test. Therefore, it can be said that in this study, the practice of attention networks improved the performance accuracy of beginners in the task of forehand table tennis and to some extent was able to improve the pattern of gaze behavior of this people.