Neuromuscular Theory

On a more scientific note, the neuromuscular theory, also known as the psychoneuromuscular theory, proves that mental imagery is indeed effective and increases performance. The neuromuscular theory proposes that visualizations can affect one’s nervous system in similar ways as the actual experience. The brain interprets the movements one imagines, exciting the same muscle patterns used as if one were actually performing a skill or competing, but without the fatigue (Kennihan). Similar to the neuromuscular theory, the bioinformational theory is also a theoretical explanation of how imagery improves athletic performance and helps to confirm that the use of mental imagery is, indeed, effective. The bioinformational theory explains that the mental image created by an athlete is stored in …show more content…
When a perfect response can be imagined, repeating the imagery is thought to strengthen the links between the stimulus propositions and response (“Bioinformational”). Also, mental imagery improves performance because the same neurophysiological processes underlie imagery and actual physical performance (Buck). Basically, the experience, feelings, and outcome that an athlete imagines is stored in the brain and makes it more likely for those positive outcomes to take place when actually physically performing the sport. Another theory that scientifically explains the link between mental imagery and improved athletic performance is the symbolic learning theory. The symbolic learning theory differs from the psychoneuromuscular theory, for it states that mental practice and imagery work because the individual literally plans his actions in advance. Lastly is the attention and arousal set theory, which combines both the psychoneuromuscular theory and the symbolic learning