Background: Outcome of motor practice is influenced by focus of attention. Paying attention to the environment (external focus) has been reported to be more effective than paying attention to body movements (internal focus). On the other hand, internal focus was reported to be more effective for novice sports players, indicating that the optimal focus differs among individuals. Outcome of motor practice is also reported to be influenced by motor imagery ability, where subjects with higher motor imagery ability show better outcomes. However, the possible relation between optimal focus of attention and motor imagery ability is not yet known.

Methods: In this study, we evaluated the motor imagery ability of healthy young students using a mental rotation task, and divided the subjects into low-motor-imagery and high-motor-imagery groups. The subjects performed the Functional Reach Test, which reflects balance ability, and performance was examined during and after repeated practice with different focuses of attention.

Results: Internal focus was more effective than external focus for the low-motor-imagery groups, while internal focus and external focus were similarly effective for high-motor-imagery groups.

Conclusion: These results indicate the relation between optimal focus of attention and motor imagery ability, and suggest the importance of evaluating motor imagery ability in choosing optimal focus of attention for motor practice.