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Attentional Focus Strategies to Improve Motor Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Ting Ting Chen

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Toby C. T. Mak

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Shamay S. M. Ng

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Thomson W. L. Wong

    (Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China)

Abstract

Previous literature shows the beneficial effects of an external focus of attention on various sports skills in young adults. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of external and internal focus of attention on motor performance in healthy older adults. The literature search was conducted in five electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science). Eighteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Most of the motor tasks targeting older adults were related to postural control and gait. Over 60% of the included studies reported that the effect of an external focus was superior to that of an internal focus on motor performance in older adults. An external focus generally results in better motor performance than an internal focus among healthy older adults. However, the advantage of an external focus on locomotion may not be as significant as those illustrated in previous attentional focus studies. A challenging cognitive task may allow more automatic motor control than an external focus. Practitioners might provide clear instruction cues guiding performers to divert their attention away from their body and towards the movement effect for better performance, particularly in balancing tasks.

Suggested Citation

  • Ting Ting Chen & Toby C. T. Mak & Shamay S. M. Ng & Thomson W. L. Wong, 2023. "Attentional Focus Strategies to Improve Motor Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4047-:d:1079211
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alexander, B.H. & Rivara, F.P. & Wolf, M.E., 1992. "The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall-related injuries in older adults," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 82(7), pages 1020-1023.
    2. Toby C T Mak & William R Young & Debbie C L Chan & Thomson W L Wong & Nicole Anderson, 2020. "Gait Stability in Older Adults During Level-Ground Walking: The Attentional Focus Approach," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 75(2), pages 274-281.
    3. David Moher & Alessandro Liberati & Jennifer Tetzlaff & Douglas G Altman & The PRISMA Group, 2009. "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: The PRISMA Statement," PLOS Medicine, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(7), pages 1-6, July.
    4. Wolfgang Lutz & Warren Sanderson & Sergei Scherbov, 2008. "The coming acceleration of global population ageing," Nature, Nature, vol. 451(7179), pages 716-719, February.
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