Cardiac and respiratory activity and golf putting performance under attentional focus instructions

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine measures of cardiac and respiratory activity when participants at different levels of skill development performed a golf putting task under attentional focus instructions. Putting performance and self-reports of attentional focus were also examined.DesignThe mixed factorial designs included group, putting condition, and epoch.MethodsNovice (n = 18), experienced (n = 16), and elite golfers (n = 16) attempted 2.4 m straight putts under a baseline (no instruction) condition and when instructed to focus attention on a process goal, a performance goal, an outcome goal, or to trust the body to perform the skill.ResultsCompared to novice golfers, the experienced and elite golfers showed better performance and reduced heart rate (HR), greater heart rate variability (HRV), pronounced HR deceleration prior to the putt, and a greater tendency to exhale prior to the putt. The attentional focus instructions also influenced HR and putting performance.ConclusionsThe results show that athletes at different skill levels differ in their performance and focus of attention while performing a motor task.

► Athletes’ goals can influence their attentional focus during skill performance.
► Attentional focus instructions affect performance in novice golfers.
► Attentional focus instructions affect tonic heart rate when putting.
► Skill level influences performance, heart rate and heart rate variability.
► Skill level influences heart rate deceleration and respiration prior to the putt.