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The measurement of arousal by the means of electrodermal activity during an actually performed balance beam routine and observational learning of the same routine

Knufinke, Melanie (2012) The measurement of arousal by the means of electrodermal activity during an actually performed balance beam routine and observational learning of the same routine.

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Abstract:The aim of this study was to gain insight into arousal patterns of gymnasts during actual performance (AP) and observational learning (OL) of a beam routine. Arousal was measured by the means of electro dermal activity (EDA) with a wireless, logging sensor. A second aim was to get insight in EDA recordings obtained from different anatomical sensor locations (wrist, forearm, palm). EDA was measured three times when five regional level gymnasts were performing their beam routines, as well as during OL of these routines. EDA was recorded from the wrist and forearm. During the last OL condition, EDA was recorded on the palm. A control group was formed of 11 non-gymnasts to examine whether arousal patterns are due to the stimulus or other factors. Non-gymnasts participated in the OL condition as well when EDA was measured at the palm. Women artistic gymnastics (WAG) employ short intervals of high skilled and demanding exercises eliciting varying levels of arousal. Arousal regulation has become important to enhance performance and prevent injury in WAG and OL is often used to regulate arousal. Comparison of arousal patterns during OL and AP revealed higher skin conductance responses (SCR) during AP. Sensors attached to the forearm during AP had less motion artifacts and showed comparable EDA sensitivity to the sensor attached to the wrist. During OL, the palm has shown to be the most sensitive location when measuring EDA. Although correlations between the conditions and locations were low, some similar trends have been found in EDA waveform. More appropriate statistical methods are needed to further analyze arousal in both conditions. Recommendations for further research are outlined in the discussion. This study gave some insight into arousal patterns during AP an OL and has significant importance in fields as sport psychology, psychophysiology as well as sport physiology.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/61606
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