Research References for Using Hypnosis with Sport
Sheckell, E. (2007) Mind over matter: Mental training increases physical strength. North American Journal of Psychology. Vol 9(1) pp. 189-200
Abstract: This study tested whether mental training alone can produce a gain in muscular strength. Thirty male university athletes, including football, basketball and rugby players, were randomly assigned to perform mental training of their hip flexor muscles, to use weight machines to physically exercise their hip flexors, or to form a control group which received neither mental nor physical training. The hip strength of each group was measured before and after training. Physical strength was increased by 24% through mental practice (p = .008). Strength was also increased through physical training, by 28%, but did not change significantly in the control condition. The strength gain was greatest among the football players given mental training. Mental and physical training produced similar decreases in heart rate, and both yielded a marginal reduction in systolic blood pressure. The results support the related findings of Ranganathan, Siemionow, Liu, Sahgal, and Yue (2004).
Comments: I thought of including the paper mentioned at the end of the above, but it was so similar that I decided not. Great statistics to use as convincers, arenât they? With any client, not just sports people.
Thelwell, R. et al. (2006) Using Psychological Skills Training to Develop Soccer Performance. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology. Vol 18(3), pp. 254-270
Abstract: The present study examined the effects of a soccer, midfielder-specific psychological skills intervention comprising relaxation, imagery and self-talk on position-specific performance measures. Using a multiple-baseline-acrossindividuals design, five participants had three performance subcomponents assessed across nine competitive matches. The results of the study indicated the position-specific intervention to enable at least small improvements on the three dependent variables for each participant. Social validation data indicated all participants to perceive the intervention as being successful and appropriate to their needs. The findings provide further evidence to suggest the efficacy of sport, and position-specific interventions. Suggestions for future research are provided.
Comments: How much more powerful would the effects be if formal hypnosis was used? We all know that it adds to efficacy of intervention, not least due to expectation factors.
