Effects of self-regulatory strength depletion on muscular performance and EMG activation

Authors: Bray, Steven R.; Martin Ginis, Kathleen A.; Hicks, Audrey L.; Woodgate, Jennifer

Source: Psychophysiology, Volume 45, Number 2, March 2008 , pp. 337-343(7)

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Abstract:

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a self-regulatory strength depletion manipulation on performance of a physical endurance (isometric handgrip) task. In addition, the effect of depletion on EMG activity in the working forearm muscles during the endurance task was explored. Sedentary undergraduates (N=49) were randomly assigned to either a cognitive depletion condition (modified Stroop task) or a control (color word) group and completed two maximal isometric exercise endurance trials separated by the cognitive task. Participants in the depletion group showed significant (p<.05) degradations in performance and exhibited higher EMG activation on the second endurance trial (p<.05) compared to controls. Results are consistent with the limited strength model of self-regulation and are interpreted in light of the central fatigue hypothesis.

Keywords: Isometric exercise; Self-control; Willpower; Central fatigue hypothesis

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8986.2007.00625.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Publication date: 2008-03-01