Verbal Encouragement and Between-Day Reliability During High-Intensity Functional Strength and Endurance Performance Testing

Abstract

As verbal encouragement (VE) is used in high intensity functional exercise testing, this randomized controlled crossover study aimed at investigating whether VE affects high intensity functional strength and endurance performance testing. We further examined between-day variability of high intensity functional strength and endurance performance testing with and without VE. Nineteen experienced athletes (seven females and 12 males, age: 23.7 ± 4.3 years) performed a standardized one repetition maximum (1 RM) squat test and a 12-min high-intensity functional training (HIFT) workout [as many repetitions as possible (AMRAP)] on four different days over a 2-week period. Athletes randomly performed each test twice, either with VE or without (CON), with a minimum of 72 h rest between tests. Very good to excellent relative between-day reliability with slightly better values for strength testing (ICC: 0.99; CV: 3.5–4.1%) compared to endurance testing (ICC 0.87–0.95; CV: 3.9–7.3%) were observed. Interestingly, VE led to higher reliability during endurance testing. Mean squat strength depicted higher strength values with VE (107 ± 33 kg) compared to CON (105 ± 33 kg; p = 0.009, Cohen’s d: 0.06). AMRAP in the endurance test showed negligible differences between VE (182 ± 33 AMRAP) and CON (181 ± 35 AMRAP; p = 0.71, Cohen’s d: 0.03). In conclusion, the effects of VE do not notably exceed day-to-day variability during high intensity functional strength (CV: 3.5–4.1%) and endurance (CV: 3.9–7.3%) testing. However, high intensity functional strength and endurance testing with VE seems to be slightly more reliable, particularly during endurance testing.

Effects of Verbal Encouragements on Selected Measures of Physical Fitness and Subjective Effort Perception in Young High School Students

“…Our results showed that jumping and linear sprint speed performances increased significantly after VE. These results are in agreement with those reported by previous studies (8,16). Specifically, Rendos et al (8) reported that VE resulted in an increased knee extensors and flexors strength performance among healthy adults aged 23 years compared to no VE.…”

“…These authors showed that mean squat strength was higher and improved under the VE condition (+ 1.91%). For the endurance task, results showed no significant differences between VE and non-VE conditions (P = 0.71) (16). Likewise, Edwards et al (17) studied the effect of VE on selfpaced endurance and sprint exercises in active individuals female (age = 24 ± 3 years).…”

“…Specifically, Rendos et al (8) reported that VE resulted in an increased knee extensors and flexors strength performance among healthy adults aged 23 years compared to no VE. In the same context, Engel et al (16) examined the variability between high-intensity functional strength days and endurance performance tests with and without VE in experienced athletes (age = 23.7 ± 4.3 years). These authors showed that mean squat strength was higher and improved under the VE condition (+ 1.91%).…”

The influence of verbal encouragement on heart rate, maximum oxygen uptake, and distance covered in young male adults during beep test

“…Some researchers investigated the effects of VE on different fitness abilities, and positive changes were found in strength [6,[13][14][15] and speed parameters [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Furthermore, many studies on athletes [17][18][19] have found just small changes after applying VE and have described that athletes and females are more self-motivated than non-athletes and males. Therefore, they might be highly intrinsically motivated, and VE does not affect their performance as much as non-athletes' probands.…”

Using the Countermovement Jump Metrics to Assess Dynamic Eccentric Strength: A Preliminary Study

“…The 1RM back squat (1RM-BS) assessment is a well-established, valid, and reliable method of determining maximal strength. The 1RM-BS measures the maximum amount of load lifted with proper form [ 1 ] and has consistently been shown to be a reliable test in a range of populations and exercises [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Muscle contractions can be divided into eccentric (ECC), isometric (ISO), and concentric (CON) contractions [ 9 ].…”