Michael Phelps

The Effect of Mental and Physical Practice on

Muscle Electrical Activity in Force Production Task

1Ahdiyeh Yadolazadeh, 2Mehdi Namazizadeh, 3Seyed Mohammad Kazem Vaez Musavi,

4Bahareh Behaen and 5Pejman Beikzade

1Islamic Azad University, Research and Science Branch, Iran

2Islamic Azad university, Esfahan Branch, Iran

3Emom Hossin Universioty, Tehran, Iran

4MA, Physical Education, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Iran

5MA, Physical Education, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of mental and physical exercises on muscle electrical

activity in force production task. This research is fundamental in nature and in terms of methodology it is quasiexperimental.

For executing this research, different exercise methods (physical, "clear - vague" mental practice

and integrative) in 10 kg force values, at acquisition, retention and transfer stages, against a hand grip task,

were studied. Results showed that physical practice and clear mental practice, integrative practice at 10 kg force

significantly caused electromyography changes at acquisition stage. None of physical practice, clear mental

practice, vague mental practice and integrative practice groups caused significant changes in electromyography

at retention stage, at 4 kg and 8 kg forces. Thus, physical practice, clear mental practice and integrative practice

had significant effects on electromyography changes in transfer stage at 10 kg.

Key words: Mental Practice % Mental Imagery % Ability imagery % Psych Neuro Muscular % Electromyography