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A Theoretical Approach to Verbal Encouragement to Enhance Exercise Performance
Ariel J Aguiar Bonfim Cruz1,2, Sarah Ullrich-French2, Joseph R Clavenna2
1College of Education, Health, & Human Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, USA.
International Journal of Exercise Science
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Verbal encouragement (VE) impacts exercise performance. Performance-focused VE significantly improved plank times compared to mastery VE or no encouragement, highlighting the importance of specific motivational cues in acute exercise settings.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sport Psychology
- Motivational Climate Research
Background:
- Verbal encouragement (VE) is known to enhance exercise performance and reduce fatigue.
- Achievement Goal Theory posits motivational climates emphasizing mastery or peer comparison, but its application in acute exercise is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential effects of mastery VE (MVE) and performance VE (PVE) on acute exercise performance.
- To evaluate VE's impact on 1RM bench press, PACER, push-up, and plank assessments.
Main Methods:
- Sixty college students were randomly assigned to MVE, PVE, or control (C) groups.
- Participants completed two baseline and two experimental visits, with heart rate measured post-exercise.
- A 2x3 ANOVA analyzed performance changes from baseline to experimental conditions.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in plank performance were observed across all groups (p<0.001).
- The PVE group showed the greatest improvement in plank time (+50.5s), followed by MVE (+22.0s), while the C group decreased (-1.9s).
- No significant differences were found for PACER, 1RM bench press, or push-up performance among groups.
Conclusions:
- Verbal encouragement is effective in improving acute exercise performance.
- The type of VE significantly influences performance outcomes, with PVE being more effective for plank duration in this study.
- Motivational strategies should be tailored to specific exercise tasks for optimal results.
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