EFFECT OF MENTAL AND PHYSICAL PRACTICE IN THE MOTOR PERFORMANCE AND MUSCLE ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY IN HEALTHY STUDENTS

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of mental practice (MP), physical practice (PP), and their combination (CP) in the performance of the dribbling skill in field hockey, and the brachioradialis muscle electrical activity (MEA) of the dominant forearm. A total of 27 freshmen enrolled in the Human Movement Science program with no experience in the skill was randomly assigned to one of the three groups (MP, PP, and CP). Skill performance was assessed by total time using Smartspeed Pro photocells, while MEA was tested with an electromyogram using Noraxon M400. Research was conducted in two sessions. In the first session, the pretest, experimental practice by group, post test, and MEA were conducted. In the second session, held a week later, a retention test was conducted. After a two-way mixed ANOVA [group (3) x measurement (3)], the acquisition and retention test performance improved significantly in the three groups. The two-way mixed ANOVA [group (3) x measurement (2)] showed no significant differences in MEA. PP, MP, and CP enhanced skill learning; however, no significant changes were found in the brachioradialis muscle electrical activity of the dominant forearm.