The effect of cognitive and somatic psyching-up techniques on isokinetic leg strength performance

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.