Two experiments were conducted to investigate the cognitive mechanisms of imagery training using an image reconstrual task (Experiment 1) and a guided image transformation task (Experiment 2). Both experiments examined how performance in these tasks is affected by participants' drawing action and imagery ability. The critical factor for performance quality was image formation in the reconstrual task and image operation in the transformation task. The results show that in both tasks the performance of good imagers is relatively accurate under both nonaction and drawing action conditions. On the other hand, under the drawing action condition in both tasks the performance of poor imagers is similar to that of the good imagers, but less accurate under the nonaction condition. It is suggested by the results that imagery ability is functionally equivalent to drawing action in imagery tasks. The results also suggest that the formation and operation of mental imagery is intimately linked to motor programs, that motor programs can be activated by drawing action, and that such activation induces performance enhancement in imagery tasks. Accordingly, it is implied that the Psychoneuromuscular Hypothesis may be more appropriate to a fundamental theory for imagery training than the Symbolic Perceptual Hypothesis, and that a slight action or an intention of acting might enhance imagery training for poor imagers. Finally, a model of the underlying imagery processes in imagery training is proposed.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.24/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE