The Efficacy of Psyching-Up on Strength Performance

David A Tod; M McGuigan

Many People believe that mental preparation influences exercise behaviour and athletic performance. Researchers have examined the effect that a range of cognitive behavioural techniques have on the display of motor skills, and it has been concluded that these interventions may positively influence exercise behaviour and enhance sporting performance. Psyching-up is one type of intervention that has received empirical attention with respect to muscular force production and refers to self-directed cognitive strategies used immediately prior to or during skill execution that are designed to enhance physical performance. In this chapter we review the literature examining the influence of psyching-up on maximal strength, local muscular endurance, and power. The existing research provides evidence that psyching-up may help untrained or neophyte participants improve their maximal strength and local muscular endurance during simple or isolated dynamic contractions. Preliminary evidence also suggests that psyching-up may enhance performance on movements requiring power although more research is needed. Generally, equivocal results have emerged from the few studies in which well-trained samples have been used. Also, the experimental tasks have been restricted to movements such as the handgrip, leg extension, bench press, sit-up, press-up, pull-up, and standing broad jump. Currently, it is unclear why psyching-up may assist novice performers undertaking simple dynamic movements because no explanation has any overwhelming support. To further the understanding of the psyching-up and muscular force production relationship, researchers need to use a wider range of participants, employ complex movements, include multiple control conditions, describe samples on several characteristics, and interpret the meaningfulness of their findings. Although there is insufficient evidence to indicate that well-trained athletes might profit from psyching-up prior to or during competition, such interventions may be of benefit for novice participants in health and fitness settings.

The Efficacy of Psyching-Up on Strength Performance

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