The effect of video-assisted mental training programs on triple jump and long jump performances

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of video-assisted mental training program together with physical training on the technical performances and degrees of triple jump and long jump athletes in track and field. The study group consisted of a total of 40 track and field athletes between the ages of 14-18 (Long Jump (n=20; 10 girls, 10 boys) and Triple Jump (n=20; 10 girls, 10 boys). Age, height, body weight, gender and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated as descriptive parameters in the study. Participants were divided into two groups as Physical Training Group (n=20) and Physical Training and Video Assisted Mental Training Group (n=20). In the physical training group, athletics training specific to their branches (long jump and triple jump) was applied only for 8 weeks and 5 days a week. Each training unit lasted 90 minutes with 15 minutes warm-up, 60 minutes main phase (weight training, strength training, plyometric exercises, fartlek runs, short distance jumps, technical training) and 15 minutes cool down. In the video-assisted mental training group, a video-assisted mental training program was applied in addition to physical training. The video-assisted mental training program was planned to be applied once a week (45 minutes) for a total of 8 weeks. The video-assisted mental training program included mental training methods such as goal setting, imagery, inner speech, creating routines, self-monitoring techniques and concentration-enhancing exercises by supporting the mental visualization process with slowed down and analyzed versions of sample jump videos. Participants' jump scores were measured twice, at the beginning and at the end of the 8-week training period. Mean (X̄) and standard deviation (SD) values were calculated using descriptive statistical methods. The conformity of all variables to the assumption of sphericity was evaluated by Mauchly test and the conformity to normal distribution was evaluated by Shapiro-Wilk test. The differences in the height and weight analysis results of the mental training and both physical and video-assisted mental training groups were determined by independent sample t-test. The differences between the pre-test and post-test values of long jump and triple jump variables were tested using 2×2 (group x measurements) mixed design analysis of variance according to mental training and physical training groups. In addition, evaluations were made according to Pearson Correlation coefficients to test whether there was a significant relationship between the data obtained. Statistical procedures were performed using SPSS 25 statistical package program and p<0.05 was accepted as the error level in all statistical tests. The findings of the study revealed that the combination of mental and physical training provided more positive effects than physical training alone. It was also found that the combination of mental and physical training resulted in a more significant improvement in triple jump performance than in long jump performance. However, it was concluded that only physical training had a greater effect on long jump performance than on triple jump performance. In addition, when the findings obtained from the study are evaluated, it is predicted that the difference between pre-test and post-test performances may be affected by the height of the athletes. Keywords: Athletics, long jump, mental training, triple jump, video assisted mental training