Effects of Attentional Focus on Oral-Motor Control and Learning

Freedman, Skott and Maas, Edwin and Wulf, Gabriele and Caligiuri, Michael and Robin, Donald
Effects of Attentional Focus on Oral-Motor Control and Learning. In Clinical Aphasiology Conference: Clinical Aphasiology Conference (2005 : 35th : Sanibel Island, FL : May 31-June 4, 2005) / : (2005).

Abstract

Limb motor task performance is enhanced when individuals adopt an external focus (focusing on the movement effect) versus an internal focus of attention (focusing on bodily movements). The present study represents a model driven exploration of attentional focus and is the first to examine effects of attentional focus in the oral-facial system. Participants were administered a manual and oral-motor pressure accuracy task to determine whether attentional focus differences would also manifest themselves in the oral-facial system. Findings revealed an advantageous external focus during both limb and oral-motor control tasks relative to an internal focus of attention.