The mind's clock: Investigating the link between motor imagery timing and personality traits

Motor imagery (MI), the mental simulation of movement without physical execution, is widely studied for its impact on sports performance, skill learning, and recovery. This study explores links between temperament, MI, and temporal congruence. Specifically, it examines (1) whether temporal congruence varies across contexts (MI, real, and declared, in training or competition), (2) whether there are any correlations between temporal equivalence in imagery perspectives and temperament traits, (3) whether there is the temperament's role in MI timing, and (4) whether there is a relationship between MI timing and imagery ability (MIQ-3). The study involved 96 swimmers (36 females, 60 males) aged 14-24 years (M = 17.31, SD = 2.03), with an average of 9.04 years of experience, mostly at the national level (81.3%). Tools included the MIQ-3 and FCZ-KT(R) questionnaires, alongside three time measures: real, declared, and imagined durations of a 50-meter freestyle swim. Results showed the highest congruence between real and declared times, and the lowest for imagined times. Briskness and endurance were negatively linked, while perseveration and emotional reactivity were positively linked to real and declared times. Imagery ability correlated with imagined training but less so with competition scenarios. These findings emphasize the role of personality and context in MI timing.