Abstract

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of psychological momentum on athletic performance. Ten subjects were randomly placed in the experimental group and were issued a Self-Induced Relaxation Procedure (S.I.R.P.) designed to develop psychological momentum over a one month period. The remaining ten subjects were placed in the control group and were not issued the S.I.R.P. Strength and endurance were measured upon the amount of completed intervals of three separate tasks: a) Bar-dips; b) Sit-ups; and c) Pull-ups, respectively. A baseline assessment of completed intervals revealed approximately equal strength and endurance between subjects in the pre-treatment phase. The results strongly support the hypothesis. It was found that the development of psychological momentum significantly improves the strength and endurance of athletes in terms of completed intervals of each task. The results were briefly discussed and suggestions for further reserach were offered. Verf.-Referat