Abstract idealized mental visualization improves motor task performance
Multiple studies and reviews demonstrate that abstract mental visualization and motor imagery significantly improve motor task performance and skill acquisition.
The retrieved papers consistently support the claim that mental visualization (motor imagery) improves motor performance, with several randomized controlled trials showing enhanced skill acquisition and procedural success following mental practice alone or combined with observation.
Florio TM. Emergent Aspects of the Integration of Sensory and Motor Functions.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15020162
Highlights that mental imagery and training play a significant role in enhancing motor function and skill acquisition.
See more details
F. Boccaccio, Alessia Pennisi, C. S. Guerrera, G. Platania, Vittoria Torre, Simone Varrasi, Venera Francesca Vezzosi, Flavia Coco, Sabrina Castellano, Concetta Pirrone. Mental Imagery between Cognition and Emotion: A Narrative Review. 2024. https://doi.org/10.3390/psychiatryint5040049
Emphasizes the significant role of mental imagery in cognitive learning processes, specifically motor skill acquisition.
Jack Binks, Christopher James Wilson, Paul van Schaik, Daniel Eaves. Motor learning without physical practice: The effects of combined action observation and motor imagery practice on cup-stacking speed. 2023. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/w6x54
Demonstrates that a complex novel motor task can be successfully acquired and performed without physical training using mental imagery combined with observation.
Wu J, Zou W, Zhang J, Gao B, Li R, Zhang Z, Zhang J, Yan T. The reorganization mechanism of brain functional networks by long term actual exercise and exercise imagination training: spectrum and network topology analysis based on EEG.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-026-01935-6
Shows that motor imagery training enhances motor skills and optimizes neural network efficiency.
Boulet N, Nairv H, Mezzarobba M, Saadi L, Morin D, Roger C. Mental Imagery to Enhance Procedural Skills in Peripheral Venous Catheterization: A Randomized Simulation Study in Medical Students.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.5334/pme.2069
Finds that mental imagery significantly improves simulation-based procedural performance and success rates in medical students.
Yilmaz O, Bayazit B. The effect of motor skills and imagery application on psychomotor development in children.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1682612
Concludes that imagery application is an important mental process in motor learning and psychomotor development.
The paper trail · every fact has a biography
Challenge the receipt
Citation formatting by citeproc-js (Frank Bennett) and the Citation Style Language project. Source and licenses.
Terms · Privacy · How verdicts work · Dispute this receipt