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Sports Medicine
Published in: Sports Medicine 11/2015

01-11-2015 | Systematic Review

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Cognitive Strategies on Strength Performance

Authors: David Tod, Christian Edwards, Mike McGuigan, Geoff Lovell

Published in: Sports Medicine | Issue 11/2015

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Abstract

Background

Researchers have tested the beliefs of sportspeople and sports medicine specialists that cognitive strategies influence strength performance. Few investigators have synthesised the literature.

Objectives

The specific objectives were to review evidence regarding (a) the cognitive strategy–strength performance relationship; (b) participant skill level as a moderator; and (c) cognitive, motivational, biomechanical/physiological, and emotional mediators.

Method

Studies were sourced via electronic databases, reference lists of retrieved articles, and manual searches of relevant journals. Studies had to be randomised or counterbalanced experiments with a control group or condition, repeated measures, and a quality control score above 0.5 (out of 1). Cognitive strategies included goal setting, imagery, self-talk, preparatory arousal, and free choice. Dependent variables included maximal strength, local muscular endurance, or muscular power.

Results

Globally, cognitive strategies were reliability associated with increased strength performance (results ranged from 61 to 65 %). Results were mixed when examining the effects of specific strategies on particular dependent variables, although no intervention had an overall negative influence. Indeterminate relationships emerged regarding hypothesised mediators (except cognitive variables) and participant skill level as a moderator.

Conclusions

Although cognitive strategies influence strength performance, there are knowledge gaps regarding specific types of strength, especially muscular power. Cognitive variables, such as concentration, show promise as possible mediators.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
A Systematic Review of the Effect of Cognitive Strategies on Strength Performance
Authors
David Tod
Christian Edwards
Mike McGuigan
Geoff Lovell
Publication date
01-11-2015
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Sports Medicine / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 0112-1642
Electronic ISSN: 1179-2035
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0356-1

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