Effect of attentional focus on postural sways and muscular activity in athletes

The aim of present study was to examine effect of attentional focus on balance performance and EMG activity of athletes. The semi-dynamic balance task of 10 gymnasts (22. 2±2. 09 years old) with 3-5 years of experience in two periods، one in internal focus (focus on leg) and one in external focus (focus on stabilometer plate) was assessed. Postural sways were measuredby Biodexstabilometer and muscular activity of tibialis anterior and soleus muscles were recorded using ME6000electromygram device. Data were analyzed using paired t- test. muscular activity for controlling posture was reduced in external focus condition than internal focus. Postural sways is more in internal focus condition than internal focus. Research findings (enhanced performance and reduced EMG) showed that antinational focus conditions (internal or external) have significant effect on athletes balance performance. In conditions that attention is focused on external feedback and information (rather than focus on body itself) balance is enhanced and requirement to muscular activity will reduce.