Effects of a Psyching Up Technique on Maximum Deadlift Ability: A Pilot Study: 3375 Board #63 June 1 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

PURPOSE: Psyching-up techniques for maximal lifting efforts are common practice among recreational and professional athletes. The use of psyching-up techniques have shown positive effects on bench press and handgrip performance, and on more complex actions such as the standing broad jump and sprinting. This has not been examined on the deadlift. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a self-selected psyching up technique on maximum performance deadlift. METHODS: Five resistance trained men (mean +/- SD: 22.60 +/- 1.67 year, 98.76 +/- 6.94 kg, 4.7 +/- 1.64 years training experience, 2.15 +/- 0.42 deadlift strength to weight ratio) consented to participate in the study. The men had a self-reported one repetition maximum deadlift of at least one and a half times their body weight and had training experience using power lifts (power clean, deadlift, squat, or other main power lifts). Subjects were familiarized with the deadlift test protocol and observed for proper form. A cross-over study design was used in which each participant was randomly assigned to either a distraction technique or a self-selected psyching up technique prior to a maximum deadlift effort. The two trials were separated by a minimum of 72 hours. The distraction technique involved the participant having to count backwards from 100 for 100 seconds prior to exerting a maximal deadlift effort. The psyching up technique involved the participant using the self-selected psyching-up technique that they routinely used during their training for 100 seconds prior to exerting a maximal deadlift effort. A dependent t-test was used to analyze the psyching up technique on maximal weight deadlifted. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (t (4) = -.512, p > .05) between the self-selected psych-up technique (204.93 +/- 48.75 kg) and the distraction technique (205.75 +/- 48.92 kg) on maximal deadlift performance. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, a self-selected psyching up technique provided no significant advantage on maximal weight lifted in the deadlift exercise compared to a distraction technique in experienced male lifters. Further investigation is recommended using a large sample size.