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Improvement of Motor Tasks: Effects of Verbal Encouragement and Music

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Healthy
Interventions
Other: Isometric Task
Registration Number
NCT06408155
Lead Sponsor
Universita degli Studi di Genova
Brief Summary

This study employed a randomized crossover design to assess the impacts of three different experimental conditions-standard environment, music, and verbal encouragement-on performance in an isometric endurance task, with comparisons made between untrained and trained individuals. Interventions were spaced seven days apart. Measurements included muscle activity and fatigue, assessed via surface electromyography, and the duration of the task.

The isometric endurance task required participants to maintain a 90° elbow flexion while holding a dumbbell in a supine grip, weighted to 80% of their one-repetition maximum, on the dominant side. During the task, participants were to keep their back and head against a vertical wall, stand with feet shoulder-width apart, and firmly on the ground. The dumbbell was held with the dominant arm, and the other arm was kept neutral by the side. It was crucial to avoid any rocking or movements that would ease maintaining the position. The test began when the bar was handed to the participant in the correct stance and concluded once the arm's angle deviated by more than five degrees from the start.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • Good general health,
  • No medical conditions that could interfere with their ability to perform the test safely and effectively.
  • To be considered exercised, participants had to have performed 150 minutes per week of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity, in addition to muscle strengthening activities, for at least two days per week. Those who did not meet this standard were considered untrained.
Exclusion Criteria
  • History of surgery on the arm, shoulder or adjacent areas that could limit the ability to perform the test.
  • Use of medication that affects muscle function or pain perception

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Task with verbal encouragementIsometric TaskEndurance isometric exercise performed with verbal encouragement
Task 2 without motivational feedbackIsometric TaskTask without motivational feedback
Task 1 without motivational feedbackIsometric TaskTask without motivational feedback
Task with musicIsometric TaskEndurance isometric exercise performed with music
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Neuromuscular excitation of Biceps BrachiiThrough task completion, an average of sixty seconds

Amplitude of electromyography value (Root Mean Square in microvolt) measured for Biceps Brachii muscle

Duration of the taskThrough task completion, an average of sixty seconds

task duration expressed in seconds

Neuromuscular fatigue of Biceps BrachiiThrough task completion, an average of sixty seconds

Time-course evolution of the Median Frequency of the Power Density Spectrum (MF Hz) of the electromyography signal measured for biceps brachii muscle

Neuromuscular fatigue of BrachioradialisThrough task completion, an average of sixty seconds

Time-course evolution of the Median Frequency of the Power Density Spectrum (MF Hz) of the electromyography signal measured for Brachioradialis muscle

Neuromuscular excitation of BrachioradialisThrough task completion, an average of sixty seconds

Amplitude of electromyography value (Root Mean Square in microvolt) measured for Brachioradialis muscle

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Università degli Studi di Genova

🇮🇹

Genova, Italy

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