MAP reading: exploring characteristics and transitions between in-performance mental states in judo

Abstract

The Multi-Action Plan (MAP) model is a sport-specific 2 x 2 framework categorising four Performance Types via psychological (e.g., level of control, affect) and psychophysiological (e.g., neural activity, respiratory rate) characteristics (Bortoli et al., 2012). Types 1-4 mainly differ in performance quality (optimal: Types 1 and 2; suboptimal: Types 3 and 4) and level of control (automatic: Types 1 and 4; effortful: Types 2 and 3). To date, MAP research has been conducted in predominately self-paced environments (e.g., shooting, Robazza et al., 2016), with the aim of characterising T1-4. However, transition processes between PTs have yet to be investigated; for example, how athletes navigate transitions from an automatic (e.g., T1) to an effortful (e.g., T2) mental performance state. Therefore, the purpose of the research presented in this thesis was to a) explore how athletes transition between PTs while b) investigating the MAP model in an externally paced, hyperdynamic performance context (i.e., judo). Throughout, I adopted a pragmatic research lens, attempting to expand the current MAP model and offer evidence-based guidance to performance psychology practitioners.

Building from an in-depth review of the MAP literature to date, I designed and planned a series of studies with several episodes of data collection, using two groups of judoka: The first, high-level, pre-elite judoka (n=6, Mdage=19) and the second, elite international medallists (n=5, Mdage=32). First, I explored MAP’s ecological validity in judo through semi-structured, retrospective interviews (Chapter 4). Further, I examined the timing and nature of in-performance transitions between mental states through video-stimulated recall in pre-elite judoka discussing training fights (Chapter 5). Next, I investigated to what extent transitions between PTs are reflected on a psychophysiological (i.e., HRV) level (Appendix 1). Lastly, I examined the timing and nature of in-performance transitions between mental states through video-stimulated recall in elite judoka discussing competition contests (Chapter 6).

Findings indicated that judo presents a difficult-to-predict, hyperdynamic performance environment. As a result, pre-elite judoka strongly related to effortful PTs (i.e., T2 and 3) whilst also suggesting mental states between the established typology (e.g., T2.5). All judoka reported transitions that improve (i.e., upregulations: e.g., T2 to T3) and deteriorate (i.e., downregulations: e.g., T2 to T3) performance. Downregulations were reported more often, especially in pre-elite judoka. Participants identified three broad categories of transition cues (cognitive-emotional; fatigue-related; technical-tactical) leading to gradual and acute transitions between PTs. While downregulations frequently appeared catastrophically for pre-elite judoka, elite judoka reported a heightened ability to anticipate (and counteract) downregulations. All participants reported deliberate and proactive strategies for upregulations, although this notion was particularly evident among elite judoka. Lastly, HRV data indicated idiosyncratic psychophysiological profiles, suggesting that transitions, to some extent, are reflected on a neurocardiac level.

All findings were discussed against relevant literature, and specific guidance for practitioners offered (Chapter 8). Overall, while most MAP model elements apply to judo, some aspects require further consideration; for example, contextualising PTs on a spectrum rather than as distinct PTs to allow for a range of transition processes. Furthermore, it is important to note that all participants but particularly elite judoka, highlighted specific upregulation strategies to improve performance. However, considering that participants reported more down- than upregulations, there is a clear need to train developing judoka in anticipating and preventing, or recovering from, episodes of suboptimal performance.