Imagery training for athletes with low imagery abilities

DOI: 10.1080/10413200.2024.2337019

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Rhodes, J., Nedza, K., May, J., & Clements, L. (2024). Imagery training for athletes with low imagery abilities. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 36(5), 831–844. doi:10.1080/10413200.2024.2337019

Abstract

Imagery training, specifically visual and kinesthetic imagery training, is a well-established method of increasing performance in sport. However, some athletes may have impoverished imagery abilities (e.g., aphantasia; low visual imagery) which may hinder performance increments that benefit others. We administered the Plymouth Sensory Imagery Questionnaire (Psi-Q) which tests multisensory imagery, to 329 participants from nine different sports across two levels: semiprofessional and professional. This formed the baseline test, finding no significant differences between sport or level for imagery ability. The Psi-Q located 27 low imagers (mean total scores <4.2/10), including seven non-visual imagers, three non-auditory, seven non-olfactory, and five non-gustatory imagers, and one across all senses. We split the sample randomly into two groups and immediately delivered the imagery intervention, Functional Imagery Training (FIT) to the first group (over two weeks), followed by delivering the same intervention to the wait group. A wait period was due to the lengthy delivery time of the personalized intervention. Both groups received the intervention for the same duration ending in a Psi-Q retest after the intervention. In both groups, FIT increased overall imagery scores which was maintained six months after intervention completion. This indicates that imagery can be trained and maintained in those with a low ability. Follow up interviews (n 22) explored how imagery was being used beyond the intervention, revealing that the majority now use imagery to plan and manage thinking. Recommendations are given for ways to train imagery in an applied sport setting and future research in broader areas is detailed.

Authors

Jonathan Rhodes1
Karol Nedza1
Jon May2
Lucie Clements1

What This Study Is About

Researchers wanted to know if athletes who struggle to create mental images—including those with aphantasia (the inability to "see" pictures in the mind)—could improve their imagery skills through a specific type of training. They also looked at whether these improvements would last over time.

How They Studied It

The study involved 329 athletes from nine different sports. First, everyone took a questionnaire called the Psi-Q, which measures how vividly people can imagine sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and physical sensations.

From this large group, the researchers identified 27 "low imagers" who had very weak or non-existent mental imagery. This group included seven people with aphantasia. These 27 athletes participated in Functional Imagery Training (FIT), a two-week program that teaches people how to use all their senses to set goals and plan for success. The researchers tested the athletes again immediately after the training and once more six months later.

What They Found

The training worked surprisingly well. Even the athletes who started with almost no imagery ability saw significant improvements in their scores across all seven senses.

Immediate Results: After just two weeks of training, the "low imagers" reported that their mental imagery became much clearer and more detailed.

Long-term Success: These improvements weren't just temporary; the athletes maintained their higher imagery scores when checked again six months later.

Practical Use: In follow-up interviews, the athletes explained that they were now using imagery to plan their training and manage their thoughts more effectively.

What This Might Mean

This study suggests that mental imagery is a skill that can be developed, even for people who feel they have a "blind mind's eye." It shows that athletes with aphantasia don't have to miss out on the benefits of mental rehearsal; they may just need a different, multi-sensory approach to unlock those skills. However, because the group of low imagers was small (27 people), more research is needed to see if these results hold true for everyone with aphantasia.

One Interesting Detail

The researchers found that when athletes struggled with one sense (like sight), they could often "bridge" the gap by starting with a sense they were better at. For example, a tennis player might start by imagining the sound of the ball bouncing, which then made it easier for them to imagine the feeling of the swing and the visual of the court.

Imagery training for athletes with low imagery abilities

Abstract

Authors

Imagery training for athletes with low imagery abilities

Abstract

Authors

Imagery training for athletes with low imagery abilities

Abstract

Authors

Imagery training for athletes with low imagery abilities

Abstract

Authors

What This Study Is About

How They Studied It

What They Found

What This Might Mean

One Interesting Detail

What This Study Is About

How They Studied It

What They Found

What This Might Mean

One Interesting Detail

Joel Pearson

Merlin Monzel

Adam Zeman

Rebecca Keogh

Martin Reuter

Juha Silvanto

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Carla Dance

Jianghao Liu

Fraser Milton