Dataset Information

The Shape of Water: How Tai Chi and Mental Imagery Effect the Kinematics of a Reach-to-Grasp Movement.

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi (TC) and mental imagery (MI) on motor performance. MI is the ability of representing different types of images and it can be improved through constant practice (e.g., of TC). The majority of previous literature has mainly investigated the impact of this mental factor by means of qualitative indexes, whereas studies considering more rigorous measures such as kinematic parameters are rare. In this vein, little is known about how MI can affect reach-to-grasp, one of the most studied models in kinematic research. The present study attempts to fill that gap by investigating the relationship between MI and motor performance in TC, a practice that largely promotes the adoption of mental training. One TC master, four instructors, ten apprentices and fifteen untrained participants were requested to reach toward and grasp an object while mentally representing one out of five different images related to water with an increasing degree of dynamicity and expansion (i.e., still water, flowing water, wave, whirlpool, and opening water flower). Kinematic profiles of movements were recorded by means of six infra-red cameras using a 3-D motion analysis system. We tested whether: (i) focusing on MI during the task would help in optimizing motor efficiency, and (ii) expertise in TC would be reflected in higher flexibility during the task. The results indicate that kinematics is highly sensitive to MI and TC practice. In particular, our main finding suggests a statistically significant general improvement in motor efficiency for the TC group and a beneficial effect for all the participants when focusing on the most expansive image (i.e., opening water flower). Moreover, regression analysis indicates that MI and TC practice make online control more flexible in an experience-based way. These results have important implications for the use of mental imagery and TC in the retraining of motor function in people with physical disabilities.

SUBMITTER: Sartori L

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7161419 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The Shape of Water: How Tai Chi and Mental Imagery Effect the Kinematics of a Reach-to-Grasp Movement.

Sartori Luisa L Spoto Andrea A Gatti Matteo M Straulino Elisa E

Frontiers in physiology 20200409

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi (TC) and mental imagery (MI) on motor performance. MI is the ability of representing different types of images and it can be improved through constant practice (e.g., of TC). The majority of previous literature has mainly investigated the impact of this mental factor by means of qualitative indexes, whereas studies considering more rigorous measures such as kinematic parameters are rare. In this vein, little is known about how ...[more]

PMID: 32328001

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Project description:Background:The newly compiled Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi (Eight Methods and Five Footworks) is a fitness routine that has been developed in accordance with the appeal of the General Administration of Sport of China and promoted both in China and abroad. This paper aims to compare the differences in energy consumption and related parameters between the two types of Tai Chi. Methods:A total of 60 healthy participants were recruited; 37 males (aged 37.4?±?10.4?years) and 23 females (aged 31.9?±?12.8?years). The maximal exercise capacity of participants was measured at baseline. Then, they received Tai Chi training for 12-week and their energy metabolism was measured dynamically. Results:A set of the Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi requires approximately 3?min, while a set of 24 form simplified Tai Chi approximately 5?min and 40?s. The average oxygen uptake/kg (VO2/kg, 10.8?±?2.52?ml/kg/min vs. 12.9?±?2.59?ml/kg/min, P?=?0.000), the highest VO2/kg (19.3?±?6.03?ml/kg/min vs. 24.1?±?7.50?ml/kg/min, p?=?0.000, the average metabolic equivalent (METs,2.3?±?0.16 METs vs. 3.2?±?0.14 METs, p?=?0.000), the highest oxygen pulse (VO2/HR, 11.1?±?0.99?ml vs. 13.9?±?0.93?ml, p?=?0.000) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE, 10.7?±?0.70 vs. 1.3?±?0.62, p?=?0.000) gained immediately after Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi exercise were significantly lower than those in 24 form simplified Tai Chi; heart rate recovery (HRR,1.5?±?0.41 vs. 1.3?±?0.45, p?=?0.008) at 1?min after the practice was significantly higher than after the 24 form simplified Tai Chi. Meanwhile, the average heart rate (HR, 104.1?±?11.41?bpm vs. 105.7?±?9.68?bpm, p?=?0.696) and the highest respiratory quotient (RQ, 1.0?±?0.06 vs. 0.9?±?0.09, p?=?0.643) were not significantly different. The intensity of Tai Chi was described as the highest oxygen uptake of the participants when they performed the Tai Chi divided by their individual maximal oxygen uptake. Tai Chi intensity during Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi (50%?±?11.7% vs. 64%?±?12.5%) was significantly lower than during 24 form simplified Tai Chi. Conclusion:The newly compiled Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi is characterized by lower energy consumption than 24 form simplified Tai Chi. Trial registration:Ethics Committee of Sports Science Experiment, Beijing Sport University- 2018010H. Registered 19 June 2018.

Dataset Information

The Shape of Water: How Tai Chi and Mental Imagery Effect the Kinematics of a Reach-to-Grasp Movement.

Publications

The Shape of Water: How Tai Chi and Mental Imagery Effect the Kinematics of a Reach-to-Grasp Movement.

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