Thursday, April 2, 2020

Performance Lecture- Nikki Lombardi

     Within this lecture about performance, I found the zone of optimal functioning hypothesis to be the most interesting topic. In the slide, it is stated that the zone of optimal functioning hypothesis is an idea in sports psychology that each individual has his/her own inverted-U curve. The U-curve can be viewed in the way that as stimulation or arousal increases, performances increases, levels off, then declines. It is stated that athletic performance is best when an athlete is at the optimal of his/her own curve. I found this information very interesting because I did not know each individual has their own inverted-U curve relating to how good or how bad their performance will be. As stated at "Zone of Optimal Functioning," the zone for optimal arousal actually differs for varying activities. For example, weight-lifters benefit more from high levels of arousal so that they can generate maximum power during their lift. On the other hand, golfers about to make a putt benefit from low levels so that they can perform more controlled and delicate movements. The zone of optimal arousal can also differ for individuals performing the same activity. I found this information to be fascinating, especially as it pertains to athletes and how they perform their best.

Source: “Zone of Optimal Functioning.” Oxford Reference, www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803133528142.

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