Introduction: There is a hypothesis that Eye-Hand Coordination (EHC) is a general ability presenting an opportunity to explore it’s mechanisms via a series of innovative studies. The thesis outlines two major aims: 1) to establish reliable measurement techniques and protocols for EHC using the Sport Vision Trainer (SVT™); 2) to explore different training methods to understand if performance can be improved. Methods: Four hundred and seventy-six participants volunteered for the studies, predominately recruited from the undergraduate population of the sport and exercise science degree at Edge Hill University, apart from the final training study of a local table tennis team. A total of 23,112 trials were recorded in the technical evaluation using the SVT™. Three measurement studies were conducted to establish test-retest reliability, performance predictors, and effect of sporting experience. In addition, three training studies were completed investigating performance under different illumination levels, stroboscopic training, and a general vision training (GVT) programmes. Results: Reliable measurement protocols are reported for the SVT™ along with original insight into the effects on EHC performance. Discussion: The concept of EHC as a general ability in the sense of an overall element supporting performance on a range of associated tasks is explored. As the sport vision literature identifies a requirement to isolate individual components of visual software the final study gives unique insight into the effectiveness of a GVT programme focusing on EHC with a team of club table tennis players. Specific training implications, limitations and recommendations for further research are also presented. Conclusions: The existence of an inherent EHC ability is doubtful and whilst the usefulness of GVT programmes has been criticised, the focus on EHC as an isolated visuo-motor skill yielded both EHC improvement and performance gains in a sporting context.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:656165 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Ellison, Paul |
| Publisher | Edge Hill University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://repository.edgehill.ac.uk/6465/ |
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