The Science of Attention and Performance
Focusing on external sights and sounds rather than bodily sensations makes running feel easier and improves performance. A recent study suggests that novice runners who distract themselves from bodily sensations experience running as more effortless and perform better.
The Constrained Action Hypothesis
This aligns with the Constrained Action Hypothesis in exercise science, which proposes that our bodies move more efficiently when we don’t consciously control our movements. Research across various sports shows that over-focusing on technique often hinders performance in skilled athletes.
The Study Findings
In the running study involving novice female runners:
- Watching videos (full distraction) resulted in lowest physical strain
- Focusing on foot muscles (internal focus) made running feel hardest
- Oxygen consumption and lactate production were lowest during distracted running
Practical Applications for Runners
To make running feel easier:
- Listen to music or podcasts (while staying aware of surroundings)
- Focus on scenery when running outdoors
- Watch television on treadmill runs
- Avoid over-analyzing form or breathing patterns
Limitations and Further Research
While promising, the study had limitations:
- Small sample size of novice female runners
- Short running bouts (6 minutes)
- Unclear if results apply to experienced runners or other sports
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