VISUAL PERCEPTION TRAINING FOR YOUTH DIVERS WITH A "SOMERSAULT SIMULATOR"

Abstract

In diving a vertical entry into the water is very important. Divers control their orientation in space by integrating sensory information from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory system. Scientists and coaches have discussed two important types of control in diving: visual control and time control (inner clock model). Visual control is based on visual perception. The aim of the present study was to analyse effects of visual perception training. Divers should use visual perception for the control of the movement from tucked to straight position of the body for the entry into the water. A measuring unit with a "Somersault Simulator" was used for practicing visual perception. Ten divers took part in the study and demonstrated the capacity of visual perception. The results of visual performance development were not conclusive and depend on the task.