Instruction during lifting: How analogy and explicit instruction influence performance and motor control

This study aimed to examine the effects of analogy (ANA) and explicit (EXP) verbal instruction on motor performance and muscle activation during a weightlifting task. Traditional coaching strategies often rely on explicit cues; however, recent research suggests that analogy-based instructions may offer a more efficient route to motor learning by promoting implicit control.

Twenty novice participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (ANA, EXP, or control), with the sequence of conditions counterbalanced across three consecutive days. Day 1 involved familiarization; Day 2 included the control and first experimental condition; and Day 3 completed the second experimental condition. Participants performed both isometric and dynamic lifting tasks while muscle activity (EMG), force production, and declarative knowledge were assessed using a within-participant design.

Results revealed significant alterations in lower limb EMG activity following both instructional strategies (p < 0.05), indicating a reorganization of motor control. Moreover, the EXP group exhibited significantly lower rate of force development within the first 200 ms compared to the control (p < 0.05). Overall force output was also higher in the control group. These findings suggest that avoiding verbal instruction may benefit maximal force production. However, analogy instructions appear to maintain performance levels while altering neuromuscular strategies. Clinical trial register number ANZCTR (code: 386738).