Effects of Post-Hypnotic Suggestions on Muscular Endurance

Abstract

This study examined the effects of post-hypnotic suggestions upon maximal endurance capacity, Borg ratings of perceived exertion, and heart rate. Experimental subjects were administered post-hypnotic suggestions to improve or decrease performance, and control subjects were given similar instructions during the awake state. Endurance time could be decreased significantly when the fatigue suggestion was given to experimental subjects, but performance could not be enhanced with the facilitating suggestion. Control subjects showed no significant changes across conditions. The Borg ratings indicated that experimental subjects experienced subjective changes as suggested by the hypnotist. In addition, analysis failed to find any significant differences for the heart-rate data.