But how much is a difference in performance all in the mind?

Researchers have studied the effectiveness of motor imagery techniques, where instead

of physical practice, athletes visualise their path to victory.

In one study, competitive skiers were broken up into three groups, dynamic imagery, static

imagery and a control group. The dynamic imagery group stood in their ski gear, on a ski slope,

while they imagined themselves completing a down-hill slalom course. The static imagery

group sat inside while they imagined completing the course. And the control group only stretched

and didn't use imagery at all. When all groups raced down the same course,

the dynamic imagery group had the fastest average time, followed by the static imagery

group and then the control group. The dynamic imagery group also reported higher confidence

in their performance. Mental practice—rehearsing a motor skill

in your mind—can actually improve physical performance. Studies have shown that mental

practice can improve the accuracy of tennis serves and hockey shots. And the effectiveness

of motor imagery is improved if it's done in an environmental similar to the one you

compete in, like on a ski slope. So what's actually happening inside your brain?

Brain imaging studies show when you imagine a movement, the same areas of your brain are

triggered as when you actually perform that movement. For example, when people imagine

walking, their primary motor cortex lights up. This area usually generates neural impulses

that pass down the spinal cord and tell your legs to walk. The only difference with motor

imagery is that no movements actually occur—it's all in the mind.

So this mental training is similar to physical training. By repeatedly activating the motor

networks for a movement without actually doing it, you can strengthen the communication between

neurons associated with that movement. This is the same way physical practice improves

performance. Athletes obviously need to train their bodies

with physical practice, but training their brains can improve the accuracy of their shots,

without them even lifting a finger. So what happens to athletes bodies when they

train and compete at altitude? Check out Untamed Science for a biological take on peak performance.

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