Psychological Effect on Total and Max Rep Work

Abstract

By Sabella Smith, Behavioral and Occupational Studies; Hannah Stevens, Exercise and Movement Science ; Chloe Kiser, Behavioral and Occupational Studies

Advisor: Thomas Herrmann

Presentation ID: AM_B33

Abstract: In past research it was found that if the subjects anticipated to perform fewer maximum voluntary contractions they would use more force than if they anticipated performing more MVC's. Additionally, participants gave higher rates of perceived exertion and completed tests more quickly when they were told that they were doing more work, even when the work remained constant across the groups. The studies performed in the past testing this idea are outdated, and none contain information from Biodex equipment. The aim of this project is to determine how force development and perceived exertion is affected when the resisted torque is what it is stated to be, is slightly higher than stated to be, or slightly lower than stated to be during a knee flexion and extension exercise. The population used in this project includes anyone 18+ with a focus on the college demographic. The participants will sit on the Biodex and a researcher will strap them in securely and then setup the Biodex using a standard protocol. A researcher will set the Biodex to a pre-set torque and will then instruct the participants to flex and extend their leg as hard as they can for ten repetitions. The participants will be asked to return two additional times. During the second and third trials the participants will exert against the original torque, but will be told the torque value has changed by a value of five in either direction. The data collected throughout will be total work and maximum repetition power.