'Psyching-Up' and Muscular Force Production
Tod D, Iredale F, Gill N
Evidence is still limited and needs further study
Summary
The first systematic attempt to collate research on psyching-up strategies. The review concluded that self-directed cognitive strategies — especially preparatory arousal, with some support for imagery and self-talk — may enhance performance on dynamic strength and muscular endurance tasks (handgrip, bench press, etc.), while data on power-based tasks remained too sparse to draw conclusions. Preparatory arousal appeared to be the most effective strategy, but the authors explicitly noted that no empirically well-supported explanation existed for why psyching-up affects force production.
Key findings
- 1
Tasks reviewed were limited to a narrow set of laboratory measures: handgrip, leg extension, bench press, sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, and standing broad jump
- 2
Preparatory arousal appeared to be the most effective strategy, with imagery and self-talk also having some empirical support
- 3
Empirical data on power/explosive output specifically (as opposed to strength/endurance) was sparse at the time, and no firm conclusions could be drawn
- 4
The authors explicitly stated that no empirically well-supported explanation existed for why psyching-up affects force production. The review predates PRISMA/RoB2-style systematic methodology and is more narrative in character — a limitation relative to later reviews
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