Increasing difficulty but not decreasing performance: maintained interception with increments in visual blur

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In an earlier study on the relationship between visual blur and interceptive skill (Mann, Ho, De Souza, Watson, & Taylor, 2007) it was observed that interceptive performance can be maintained despite the introduction of significant refractive visual blur. Mann et al. found that contact lenses simulating legally-blind levels of short-sightedness were required (6/60 or 20/200 acuity) before any subjectively assessed decrease in skilled performance could be measured when intercepting balls pitched by a projection machine in the sport of cricket. Several of the participants reported a preference for taking part with low levels of visual blur as a means of focusing concentration and visual attention, raising the possibility that rather than decreasing performance, training with blurred vision may provide an opportunity to enhance skill acquisition. The aim of this study was to extend the protocol of Mann et …