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Verbal encouragement: effects on maximum effort voluntary muscle action
P J McNair1, J Depledge, M Brettkelly
1Faculty of Health Studies, Auckland Institute of Technology, New Zealand.
Objective:
To examine the effects of verbal encouragement on the peak force of the elbow flexors during an isometric muscle action.
Methods:
A crossover design whereby 20 subjects were divided into 10 2 x 2 Latin squares was undertaken. Peak forces were measured on a Kin-Com dynamometer, and electromyographic (EMG) activity was also recorded from the biceps brachii. All subjects completed trials with and without verbal encouragement.
Results:
Mean peak force increased (P < 0.05) from 296 to 311 N (5%) when verbal encouragement was presented. A spectral analysis of the EMG activity showed no changes (P > 0.05) to the median frequency in the condition where verbal encouragement was present.
Conclusions:
These findings have ramifications for training and exercise therapy. An awareness of the effects of verbal encouragement is important when motivating athletes and patients to attain maximum performance during exercise.