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

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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.

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Acknowledgments

David Tod, Christian Edwards, Mike McGuigan and Geoff Lovell declare that they have no conflicts of interest. No financial support was received for the conduct of this study or preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Tom Reilly Building, Byrom Street Campus, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK

    David Tod

  2. Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK

    Christian Edwards

  3. Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    Mike McGuigan

  4. School of Social Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia

    Geoff Lovell

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  1. David Tod
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  2. Christian Edwards
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  4. Geoff Lovell
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Correspondence to David Tod.

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Tod, D., Edwards, C., McGuigan, M. et al. A Systematic Review of the Effect of Cognitive Strategies on Strength Performance. Sports Med 45, 1589–1602 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0356-1

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