EFFECTS OF AUGMENTED FEEDBACK ON SQUAT TECHNIQUE AMONG ELEVEN YEARS OLD CHILDREN

Abstract

Journal of Sports Science and Physical Education 5(1): 1-8, 2016 - The purpose of this study was to compare the acquisition of performing the squat technique using visual and verbal feedback among eleven years old children. Thirty standard 5 students from a semi urban primary school were recruited for this study. Each participant performed the squat without any provision of feedback in the pre-test. Their performance was assessed using the Motion Competency Screen (MCS) scale. The pre-test scores were used to divide the participants randomly into three groups (i.e., visual-, verbal-feedback and control). During the acquisition phase (two weeks), the visual group (video recordings of their performance) received feedback about the correct squat technique by a qualified trainer while the verbal feedback group received verbal instructions and feedback from the same instructor on their performance. The control group did not participate in any trials during acquisition phase. All participants were tested again in the post- and retention test a week after the post-test. A 3 group x 3 tests mixed between-within ANOVA with repeated measures on the second factor was used to measure the between and within group mean differences. There was no significant different between groups for the pre-test. However, both the visual and the verbal feedback groups were significantly better than the control group in the post test. However, in the retention test, the verbal group significantly outperformed the visual group. Again both groups were significantly better than the control group. In conclusion, both visual and verbal feedbacks were effective in learning a motor skill. Interestingly, verbal feedback showed to be more effective for long term retention (learning).

Keywords: squat, verbal feedback, visual feedback, Motion Competency Screen (MCS), skill acquisition