A Preliminary Study on How Combining Internal and External Focus of Attention in a Movement Language Can Improve Movement Patterns

Background: Movement feedback is used to promote anatomically correct movement patterns. Two primary forms of movement feedback exist: verbal cues and visual cues. There is ongoing debate regarding which type of feedback yields superior effects for learning desired movements. This study investigated how a combination of visual and verbal cues improved shoulder stability in four arm movements, Biceps Curls, Reverse Flys, Rowing, and Shoulder Extensions. Methods: Twelve participants were allocated to three different conditions and instructed to perform four different arm movements: Condition 1 (no specific instructions), Condition 2 (image only), and Condition 3 (verbal cues and image). Measurements of acromioclavicular (AC) joint displacement, and electromyography (EMG) peak and burst duration were taken for each arm movement within each condition. Results: Condition 3 exhibited a significant reduction in AC displacement and prolonged EMG burst duration. Variations in EMG peak and burst duration across different arm movements were attributed to anticipated muscle activation specific to each movement. Conclusions: The combination of visual and verbal cues through the “reConnect Your Dots” movement language was found to improve scapular stabilization and associated muscle activation. This approach to movement patterns practice holds promise for injury rehabilitation and risk mitigation for future occurrences.