The effects of imagery perspective as a function of skill level on alpha activity

A strategy being used by athletes to enhance their performance is imagery. In previous research studying imagery, Lang's (1977, 1979) Information-Processing Theory states two types of propositions: stimulus propositions (SP) and response propositions (RP). The beneficial use of imagery scripts emphasizing these propositions may depend on the skill level of the performer. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in lower (8-10 Hz) and upper (11-13 Hz) alpha activities during imagery emphasizing SP and imagery emphasizing RP as related to the skill level of the subjects. Twenty-two right-handed male subjects were assigned to either an 'expert' (n = 11) or a 'novice' (n = 11) group. Lower and upper alpha activities from six active sites were recorded during imagery of a golf-putting task. After subsequent fast Fourier transform (FIT) analysis of results, mean lower and upper alpha power values were entered into separate repeated measures mixed model designs. Results revealed significant differences in skill level at the occipital sites in the lower alpha band. Moreover, a significant interaction between imagery perspective and skill level was found in the lower alpha band at the occipital site and in the upper alpha band at the parietal site. Significant differences were found in imagery perspective at the parietal, temporal, and occipital sites in the lower alpha band. In addition, a significant interaction effect, imagery perspective by hemisphere, was found in the upper alpha band at the parietal site. Conclusions are discussed based on the results and future research is suggested. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.