The article by Jose et al. (2020) summarizes the existing studies related to imagery intervention and its effect on sports performance. A total of 73 studies were assessed, and 19 of them satisfied the criteria for inclusion in this article. Analyzing the chosen research showed that using images to train can boost athletic performance across a range of sports. Mostly there were done studies on long distance runners, football, rugby, high jump, golf, badminton, basketball, and volleyball. According to selected 11 studies, the minimum training duration selected by the researchers was 6 weeks or longer. The majority of the researchers chose anxiety, self-confidence, visualization capacity, self-efficacy, and attentiveness when describing the impact on psychological factors. With the use of texts and audio-visual recording tools, they provided imagery training. It is clear from examining the review research that imagery intervention benefits athletes’ psychological well-being as well as their performance.
With regards to limitations of the study, Jose et al. (2020) fail to consider control variables when examining studies related to mental imagery. There should be more elaboration on factors that may influence the results of studies and how their methods could contribute to biases. The methodological part of the article should be reviewed as there is less information on how to test imagery. However, the article shows the importance of mental imagery in improving sportsmen’s performance. I would use findings of this study to argue that imagery works and implement it in sport management.
References
Jose, J., Joseph, M. M., & Matha, M. (2018). Imagery: It’s effects and benefits on sports performance and psychological variables: A review study. International Journal of Physiology, Nutrition and Physical Education, 3(2), 190-193.