Degree Name
Master of Science in Education
Department or Program
Kinesiology
Advisor
Porter, Jared M.
Abstract
The present study tested the effects of focus of attention on static balance. The purpose of this study was to determine if altering a person’s focus of attention influenced the performance of the Single Leg Stance Test.
Based on findings reported in previous research, it was hypothesized that instructing participants to direct their attention externally would result in better static balance performance compared to instructions that directed attention internally or neutrally. Additionally, it was predicted that instructing participants to direct their attention internally would result in better static balance performance compared to instructions that directed attention neutrally. Participants (19 males and 9 females) stood on an inflated disc on one foot, while given three conditions: External (i.e., perform the balance task while focusing on minimizing movement of the disc), Internal (i.e., perform the balance task while focusing on minimizing movement of your foot), and Control (i.e., perform the balance task to the best of your ability). The results of the study indicated that there were no significant differences between the three conditions.