Melanie Gregg

The MIQ-RS: A Suitable Option for Examining Movement Imagery Ability.

Within rehabilitation settings, mental imagery helps to promote long-term recovery and facilitates compliance to rehabilitation exercises. Individuals who are able to effectively engage in imagery practice are likely to gain the most benefit from imagery training. Thus, a suitable imagery ability measurement tool for individuals with movement limitations is needed. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the Movement Imagery Questionnaire—Revised second version (MIQ-RS), and compare the results of this new version with Hall and Martins (1997) MIQ-R. Three-hundred and twenty participants from a variety of sports and performance levels agreed to take part. Results showed the internal consistency and test–retest reliability of the MIQ-RS were satisfactory, the two-factor structure of the MIQ-RS was supported by confirmatory factor analysis, and Pearson correlations indicated a strong relationship between the MIQ-R and MIQ-RS. It appears the MIQ-RS is a suitable option for examining movement imagery ability primarily aimed at the upper extremity.

The Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised, Second Edition (MIQ-RS) Is a Reliable and Valid Tool for Evaluating Motor Imagery in Stroke Populations

Mental imagery can improve motor performance in stroke populations when combined with physical therapy. Valid and reliable instruments to evaluate the imagery ability of stroke survivors are needed to maximize the benefits of mental imagery therapy. The purposes of this study were to: examine and compare the test-retest intra-rate reliability of the Movement Imagery Questionnaire-Revised, Second Edition (MIQ-RS) in stroke survivors and able-bodied controls, examine internal consistency of the visual and kinesthetic items of the MIQ-RS, determine if the MIQ-RS includes both the visual and kinesthetic dimensions of mental imagery, correlate impairment and motor imagery scores, and investigate the criterion validity of the MIQ-RS in stroke survivors by comparing the results to the KVIQ-10. Test-retest analysis indicated good levels of reliability (ICC range: .83–.99) and internal consistency (Cronbach α: .95–.98) of the visual and kinesthetic subscales in both groups. The two-factor structure of the MIQ-RS was supported by factor analysis, with the visual and kinesthetic components accounting for 88.6% and 83.4% of the total variance in the able-bodied and stroke groups, respectively. The MIQ-RS is a valid and reliable instrument in the stroke population examined and able-bodied populations and therefore useful as an outcome measure for motor imagery ability.

The Relationship of Skill Level and Age to the Use of Imagery by Golfers

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship of an objective measure of skill level, golf handicap, and age to the use of imagery. Five different functions of imagery were assessed through the Sport Imagery Questionnaire: cognitive specific, cognitive general, motivational specific, motivational general-arousal, and motivational general-mastery. Pearson correlations indicated handicap was significantly related to all five functions of imagery, while age was significantly related to the cognitive specific, cognitive general, and motivational general-mastery functions. As handicap decreased there was a corresponding increase in imagery use. As age increased there was a corresponding decrease in imagery use. Five hierarchical regressions were performed and handicap predicted the use of all five functions of imagery. The addition of age to the regression equations significantly added to the prediction of the cognitive functions of imagery use. Also, the interaction between handicap and age had a significant effect on the use of motivational general-mastery imagery.

Measurement of motivational imagery abilities in sport

Abstract Athletes report using imagery most often to successfully cope with and master challenging situations. This function of imagery is termed “motivational general-mastery” and includes imagining being focused, confident and in control in difficult circumstances. Also, athletes often use imagery to regulate their arousal levels (e.g. relaxing, psyching up) and this function of imagery is termed “motivational-general arousal”. While most athletes report employing these two motivational functions of imagery, their ability to do so has not been examined. The aim of the present study was to develop a measure of motivational general sport imagery ability, the Motivational Imagery Ability Measure for Sport (MIAMS). This was accomplished through three phases. Across these phases, evidence was generated showing that the psychometric properties of the instrument are adequate. In addition, the relationship of scores on the MIAMS to demographic variables, including sex, sport type and competitive standard, were examined. It was found that athletes participating at a competitive level scored higher on the MIAMS than athletes participating at a recreational level.

The Relationship between Imagery Ability and Imagery Use among Athletes

The present study aimed to provide a better understanding of the relationship between imagery ability and imagery use. Athletes completed the Movement Imagery Questionnaire—Revised Second Version, the Motivational Imagery Ability Measure for Sport, and the Sport Imagery Questionnaire. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that imagery ability explained 20 to 41% of the variance in the use of the functions of imagery. Visual and kinesthetic imagery ability predicted cognitive specific imagery use; motivational general-mastery and motivational general-arousal imagery ability predicted the use of the motivational general functions of imagery. To assess imagery ability multiple methods of assessment must be used.

Psychometric properties of the revised movement imagery questionnaire (MIQ-R).

The revised Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ-R: Hall & Martin, 1997) assesses visual and kinesthetic movement imagery abilities and has become a popular questionnaire in sport and exercise psychology research. The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the MIQ-R including internal consistency, stability, factor structure, and gender invariance. There were 325 male (n = 136) and female (n = 189) athletes/dancers who participated in the study. Gender-specific internal consistency coefficients ranged from .83 to .89 and the test-retest reliabilities over a one week period for the subscales were .80 for visual and .81 for kinesthetic imagery abilities. The best model fit from confirmatory factor analyses results was for a 2-factor structure with an interrelationship between the subscales. These results support the finding that visual and kinesthetic imagery abilities are separate but related constructs. An examination of invariance by gender indicated that the model fit females better than males.

The Effects of a Motivational General-Mastery Imagery Intervention on the Imagery Ability and Sport Confidence of Inter-Collegiate Golfers

Abstract Motivational general-mastery imagery is described as imaging overcoming challenges in sport with confidence and control. Using a single-subject multiple baseline design three male inter-collegiate golfers completed the Motivational Imagery Ability Measure for Sport during baseline and post-intervention phases and completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R prior to each competitive round. Golf scores were recorded at the conclusion of each competition. Participants engaged in six sessions of guided motivational general-mastery imagery training over a three-week period. The sport confidence of one participant significantly increased from baseline to intervention. Golf performance (measured by stroke average) of two participants improved. All participants showed improvement in their ability to use imagery and indicated the imagery training program was effective.

Examining developmental differences in imagery use with youth soccer players.

Abstract Emerging research on youth sport participants has revealed that young athletes use sport-related mental imagery for a variety of purposes such as acquiring sport-specific skills. The present study aimed to replicate previous research regarding developmental differences in imagery use, confirm the utility of the Sport Imagery Questionnaire-Children’s Version (SIQ-C), and clarify the relationship of gender to imagery use in youth sport. Youth soccer players (N = 207) included boys and girls ranging in age from 7 to 16 years. All participants completed the SIQ-C. Results replicated previous research indicating the SIQ-C is a suitable tool for examining imagery use by youth sport participants. Developmental differences similar to previous research were also replicated; younger age cohorts were more likely to use motivational-specific (goal-oriented) images. No gender differences in imagery use materialized; recruiting participants from a single sport allowed direct comparisons between genders and eliminated the confounding variable of sport type.

The relationship between sedentary behaviour and physical literacy in Canadian children: a cross-sectional analysis from the RBC-CAPL Learn to Play study

BackgroundPhysical literacy is the foundation of a physically active lifestyle. Sedentary behaviour displays deleterious associations with important health indicators in children. However, the association between sedentary behaviour and physical literacy is unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the aspects of physical literacy that are associated with key modes of sedentary behaviour among Canadian children participating in the RBC-CAPL Learn to Play study.MethodsA total of 8,307 children aged 8.0-12.9 years were included in the present analysis. Physical literacy was assessed using the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy, which measures four domains (Physical Competence, Daily Behaviour, Motivation and Confidence, Knowledge and Understanding). Screen-based sedentary behaviours (TV viewing, computer and video game use), non-screen sedentary behaviours (reading, doing homework, sitting and talking to friends, drawing, etc.) and total sedentary behaviour were assessed via self-report questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to determine significant (p<0.05) correlates of each mode of sedentary behaviour.ResultsIn comparison to girls, boys reported more screen time (2.7±2.0 vs 2.2±1.8 hours/day, Cohen’s d=0.29), and total sedentary behaviour (4.3±2.6 vs 3.9±2.4 hours/day, Cohen’s d=0.19), but lower non-screen-based sedentary behaviour (1.6±1.3 vs 1.7±1.3 hours/day, Cohen’s d=0.08) (all p< 0.05). Physical Competence (standardized β’s: -0.100 to -0.036, all p<0.05) and Motivation and Confidence (standardized β’s: -0.274 to -0.083, all p<0.05) were negatively associated with all modes of sedentary behaviour in fully adjusted models. Knowledge and Understanding was negatively associated with screen-based modes of sedentary behaviour (standardized β’s: -0.039 to -0.032, all p<0.05), and positively associated with non-screen sedentary behaviour (standardized β: 0.098, p<0.05). Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run score and log-transformed plank score were negatively associated with all screen-based modes of sedentary behaviour, while the Canadian Agility and Movement Skill Assessment score was negatively associated with all modes of sedentary behaviour other than TV viewing (all p<0.05).ConclusionsThese results highlight differences in the ways that screen and non-screen sedentary behaviours relate to physical literacy. Public health interventions should continue to target screen-based sedentary behaviours, given their potentially harmful associations with important aspects of physical literacy.

Imagery as a Skill: Longitudinal Analysis of Changes in Motivational Imagery:

Imagery intervention research indicates that athletes improve their imagery skill through practice. As a skill, imagery is expected to improve over time only if athletes increase their use of imagery (i.e., engage in imagery practice). Forty-four track-and-field athletes striving for selection to national games completed the Sport Imagery Questionnaire to assess imagery use and the Motivational Imagery Ability Measure to assess imagery ability. The athletes completed the measures three times within 13 months prior to the games. Although cognitive general imagery use increased over time, paired t-tests indicated that there were no other significant changes across the functions of imagery use. For motivational imagery ability, there were minimal changes from Time 1 to Time 3 indicating the athletes’ motivational imagery ability remained relatively stable. These results add support for targeted imagery interventions as athletes do not spontaneously or independently begin to increase their use of imagery; athletes need purposeful interventions to realize improvements in imagery skills.