Self-modelled versus skilled-peer modelled AO+MI effects on skilled sensorimotor performance

Action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) are simulation states that have been demonstrated to independently enhance motor skill performance. Historically, AO and MI were examined in isolation from one another; however recent neurophysiological and behavioural evidence indicates that using MI during AO (AO+MI) may be more potent at enhancing performance than either simulation state alone. The AO component of AO+MI is typically delivered via a self-modelled or peer-skilled model paradigm, via an observation video. The purpose of the proposed study is to further examine the implementation of AO+MI states by directly comparing the effectiveness of self-modelled AO+MI with peer-skilled modelled AO+MI to augment performance on a golf putting task with a sample of 56 skilled golfers. Our primary hypothesis predicts that skilled participants who engage with a self-modelled intervention will improve their performance more than those engaging with a peer-skilled model intervention. This hypothesis is predicated on the idea that self-modelling will be used in the context of performers’ existing mental representation and will facilitate improved performance, whereas the peer modelling may destabilize skilled performers’ existing mental representation.