Eye-Hand Coordination: An Exploration of Measurement and Different Training Methods Using the SVT

  • PAUL ELLISON

Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

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 (SVTâ„¢); 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 SVTâ„¢. 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 SVTâ„¢ 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.
Date of Award17 Jun 2015
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Edge Hill University
SupervisorDAVID MARCHANT (Director of Studies), PHILIP MURPHY (Supervisor) & Andy Sparks (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Eye-hand Coordination
  • General Vision Training
  • GVT
  • Sport Vision Training
  • Stroboscopic Training
  • Table Tennis

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