Research shows that an external focus during complex movements helps improve which of the following?

An external focus during complex movements enhances motor learning and performance by directing an individual's attention away from their body mechanics and towards the outcome of the movement. This type of focus encourages individuals to concentrate on the goals of their movements, such as the target they are aiming to hit or the effect they want to produce, rather than the specific body parts involved in the task.

Research has shown that when athletes or individuals focus on the effects of their movements in the environment, such as the trajectory of a ball or the distance traveled, they are more likely to perform the movement effectively and efficiently. This is because an external focus can lead to more automatic and fluid performances, allowing the brain to optimize movement patterns based on sensory feedback rather than conscious control of their body mechanics. Thus, this focus is fundamental to developing skill and improving the execution of complex tasks.

The other choices, while important in their own contexts, do not relate specifically to the impact of external focus during complex movements in the same way.