AI Insight
This study examined whether an 8-week mental preparation program combining progressive muscle relaxation and mental imagery could improve motivation and balance control in 36 young female handball players. The experimental group that received three weekly mental training sessions in addition to regular practice showed significantly greater improvements in dynamic postural control and several forms of self-determined motivation compared to the control group that continued regular training only. The combined intervention enhanced autonomous motivation types and balance performance more effectively than standard training alone.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that structured mental preparation techniques can provide measurable benefits for both psychological and physical performance in youth athletes. Integration of such programs into regular training could offer coaches practical tools to enhance player development beyond traditional physical conditioning.
Understand the Science
IntroductionMental preparation strategies are widely used in youth sport to enhance both psychological and motor performance; however, the combined effects of progressive muscle relaxation and mental imagery on self-determined motivation and dynamic postural control remain insufficiently explored. This study investigated the effects of an 8-week mental preparation program combining Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation and mental imagery in cadet female handball players.MethodsA quasi-experimental pretest-post-test design with two parallel groups was employed. Thirty-six cadet female handball players were allocated to an experimental group (n = 18) and a control group (n = 18). Self-determined motivation was assessed using the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS-28), and dynamic postural control was evaluated using the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) before and after the intervention. The experimental group completed three weekly mental preparation sessions in addition to their regular handball training, whereas the control group continued their usual training program.ResultsSignificant improvements in YBT-LQ performance were observed over time in both groups, with greater gains in the experimental group (Time × Group interaction: p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.37, 95% CI [0.13, 0.57]). Significant Time × Group interactions were also found for intrinsic motivation toward accomplishment (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.41, 95% CI [0.16, 0.60]), intrinsic motivation to experience stimulation (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.35, 95% CI [0.11, 0.55]), intrinsic motivation to know (p < 0.043, ηp2 = 0.12, 95% CI [0.00, 0.33]), identified regulation (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.31, 95% CI [0.08, 0.51]), and external regulation (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.55, 95% CI [0.31, 0.70]). The interaction for introjected regulation was small (ηp2 = 0.02) and did not remain significant after correction. Amotivation decreased over time in both groups without a significant Time ×Group interaction (p = 0.097, ηp2 = 0.079, 95% CI [0.00, 0.25]).DiscussionAn 8-week mental preparation program combining progressive muscle relaxation and mental imagery improved dynamic postural control and promoted more autonomous motivational regulation in cadet female handball players. These findings support the integration of structured mental preparation strategies into youth handball training programs to enhance both psychological and motor performance.