Abstract
This study was performed to test the effect of EMG feedback training during the instep kick with dominant leg. Seventy-one male university soccer players performed the instep kicks. Trapezius activity was recorded. They were assigned with high-skilled (H) and low-skilled (L) players. Further their groups were assigned to three groups (feedback; FH, FL, no feedback; NFH, NFL, and Control; CH, CL). Feedback and no feedback groups participated in the dual task (kicking and EMG reduction) in which they were instructed to shoot correctly and to reduce their trapezius activity. EMG feedback based on trapezius activities, was visually presented only to feedback groups. Control groups performed only kicking tasks without EMG reduction. FH and FL groups reduced their trapezius activity and increased the probability of correct guessing about muscle tension. Also FH group increased the kick accuracy and converged the kicking form. The results indicated that EMG feedback training improved the ability of muscle regulation and muscle awareness. The results of this study were explained by the allocation of attentional resource. Our findings suggest that EMG feedback training improves kicking performances for the high-skilled players.
