Visual imagery and the use of mental practice in the development of motor skills.

This paper provides a critical review of research on mental practice, with special emphasis on works investigating the role of visual imagery in this type of learning technique. Relevant properties of images and conditions required for their effectiveness in mental practice of motor skills are analyzed in the light of empirical evidence. The paper examines the specific question of individual imagery differences in mental practice research. Finally, implications for future research are discussed as regards the impact of certain kinds of physical training on mental imagery.