Vision testing and visual training in sport

This thesis examines vision testing and visual training in sport. Through four related studies, the predictive ability of visual and perceptual tests was examined in a range of activities including driving and one-handed ball catching. The potential benefits of visual training methods were investigated (with particular emphasis on stroboscopic training), as well as the mechanisms that may underpin any changes. A key theme throughout the thesis was that of task representativeness; a concept by which it is believed the more a study design reflects the environment it is meant to predict, the more valid and reliable the results obtained are. Chapter one is a review of the literature highlighting the key areas which the thesis as a whole addresses. Chapter’s two to five include the studies undertaken in this thesis and follow the same format each time; an introduction to the relevant research, a methods section detailing the experimental procedure, a results section which statistically analysed the measures employed, and a discussion of the findings with reference to the existing literature. Finally, in chapter six the strengths and limitations of the thesis are considered, before suggestions are made for future studies, and concluding remarks made