Abstract
This study compared the effects of both cognitive and somatic psyching-up techniques on isokinetic strength performance. The subjects, 45 non-strength-trained men (ages 24.7 ± 3.6 yrs), were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Positive statements (PS-cognitive), relaxation-visualization and autogenic training (RVA-somatic), or control (no treatment). Knee extensor strength was measured on an isokinetic dynamometer before and after four sessions of psychological intervention. The control group showed a significantly greater improvement (39.1%) in peak force than both PS (24.6%, p < 0.05) and RVA (9.0%, p < 0.05) treatment groups. The improvement of peak force observed in PS was significantly greater than that in RVA. Peak power improvements were similar (9.0%, p < 0.05) for all three groups. The results suggest that four sessions of mental preparation techniques in non-strength-trained individuals may hinder optimal strength performance by diverting the individuals' full concentration away from the exercise movement.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3-7 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Jan 1995 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Mental preparation
- Peak power
- Resistance training
- Sport psychology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation