Variations in Verbal Encouragement Modify Isokinetic Performance.

Rendos, NK, Harriell, K, Qazi, S, Regis, RC, Alipio, TC, and Signorile, JF. Variations in verbal encouragement modify isokinetic performance. J Strength Cond Res 33(3): 708-716, 2019-Verbal instruction and encouragement are common in exercise testing; however, the verbiage used during exercise testing is rarely controlled despite the likelihood it may affect the participant's performance. Although variations in verbal cuing based on rate and intensity have been examined during isometric contractions, they have not been examined during isokinetic testing, which is a standardized assessment of muscle performance in athletic, rehabilitation, and research settings. This study examined the effects of 4 variations in verbal encouragement during isokinetic knee flexion and extension exercises. Twenty-three healthy participants (aged 19-34 years) completed 4 isokinetic testing sessions on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. Each session consisted of 5, 10, and 15 repetitions at 1.05 rad·s (60°·s), 3.14 rad·s (180°·s), and 5.24 rad·s (300°·s), respectively, separated by 5-minute passive recoveries. The variations in verbal encouragement randomized during each testing session used the following statements: (a) "as fast as you can" (FAST); (b) "as hard as you can" (HARD); (c) "as hard and as fast as you can" (BOTH); and (d) no verbal encouragement (NO CUE). Repeated-measures analyses of variance with a Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed that the FAST and BOTH verbal cues produced greater work, peak torque, and power at all 3 speeds of isokinetic testing. These findings indicate the verbal cues "as fast as you can" and "as hard and as fast as you can" should be used to maximize performance during isokinetic testing.