ABC Running with Mental Imagery for Movement Awareness and Dynamic Coordination in Novice Sprinters

Abstract

Study purpose. This study aims to analyze the effect of ABC Running training combined with Mental Imagery on movement awareness and dynamic coordination in novice sprinters.

Materials and methods. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest-posttest design approach. The study sample consisted of 24 novice sprinters from East Jakarta City aged 13-17 years, consisting of 12 male athletes and 12 female athletes. The sample was selected using purposive sampling and divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received ABC Running training combined with Mental Imagery for six weeks, with a frequency of three times a week, while the control group received regular training. Movement awareness was measured using a validated sprint movement awareness observation rubric (Aiken V = 0.851), while dynamic coordination was measured using the KTK3+ Motor Coordination Test. Data were analyzed using MANCOVA with pretest scores as covariates.

Results. The results of the multivariate test showed a significant effect of the group on the combination of movement awareness and dynamic coordination variables, with a value of F = 118.967; p < 0.001. The results of the Inter-Subject Effect Test also showed significant differences in movement awareness, F = 145.181; p < 0.001 and dynamic coordination, F = 86.211; p < 0.001.

Conclusions. ABC Running training combined with Mental Imagery has been shown to significantly improve movement awareness and dynamic coordination in novice sprinters. This program can be used as an alternative physical-mental training strategy to develop basic sprinting technique, body awareness, and motor coordination in young athletes. Further research is recommended using a larger sample size, adding an ABC Running-only comparison group, and extending the duration of the intervention.