Le Lézard
Classified in: Health, Sports and recreation
Subject: TRI

New Study Finds Swearing Aloud Boosts Physical Performance


BROOKLYN, N.Y., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Psychology of Sports and Exercise has found that swearing aloud can increase physical performance, strength, and power associated with exercise.

Long Island University (PRNewsfoto/Long Island University)

According to the study by Dr. David K. Spierer of LIU Brooklyn and Dr. Richard Stephens of Keele University (UK), swearing was shown to produce a 4.6 percent increase in initial power during a 30-second stationary bicycle test called the Wingate test, as well as an 8.2 percent increase in a separate test of maximum hand grip strength.

 "Swearing appears to be able to bring about improvements in physical performance that may not be solely dependent on a stress response arising out of the shock value of the swearing," Dr. Stephens said. "We know that swearing appears to be handled in brain regions not usually associated with language processing. It is possible that activation of these areas by swearing could produce performance improvements across many different domains."

Dr. Spierer added, "Cursing may allow people to shut down their inhibitions and somewhat veil the effort and the pain of this really difficult task." In this way, Spierer says, "using swear words might be helpful in any circumstance where muscle strength and a sudden burst of force or speed, is required."

In the study, Dr. Stephens and Dr. Spierer asked participants to suggest a swear word they might use in response to banging their head accidentally, and for the non-swearing trials, a word to describe a table. Based on Dr. Stephens' previous research showing beneficial effects of swearing in the context of physical pain, they expected to see nervous system arousal in the form of elevated heart rate and blood pressure correlate with the improvement in physical performance. However, this was not the case.

Dr. Stephens and Dr. Spierer have already begun their second study examining the effect of swearing on more common activities that are found in most exercise programs. Please visit their website at www.swearingmakesyoustronger.com to purchase t-shirts and hats, the proceeds of which will go toward furthering research in swearing and performance as well as breast cancer awareness.

Full Reference:
Stephens R, Spierer DK, Katehis E. (2018). Effect of swearing on strength and power performance. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 35, 111-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.11.014

 

SOURCE LIU Brooklyn


These press releases may also interest you

at 10:45
The "PCR Markets. Forecasts for qPCR, dPCR, Singleplex & Multiplex Markets and by Application, Product and Place. With Executive and Consultant Guides, Including Customized Forecasting and Analysis. 2023 to 2027" report has been added to...

at 10:30
The "Licensing Deals in Biotechnology 2019-2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Licensing Deals in Biotechnology provides a detailed understanding and analysis of how and why companies enter licensing deals. Fully...

at 10:30
The "Molecular Diagnostics for Cancer: Markets Forecasts by Cancer Type, Product, and Place with Executive & Consultant Guides and Customization. 2023 to 2027" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Exciting technical...

at 10:30
Closed System Transfer Devices Market in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $1.1 billion in 2024 and is poised to reach $2.5 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 14.5% from 2024 to 2029 according to a new report by MarketsandMarketstm. The...

at 10:30
RIVANNA®, a developer of imaging-based medical solutions, names Craig Loomis as senior director of product management. With over 25 years of extensive experience in global product development and commercialization within the healthcare sector, Mr....

at 10:10
The group division of Ameritas proudly announces its 17th consecutive certification as a BenchmarkPortal Center of Excellence, solidifying its position as a leader in customer service and support excellence. This prestigious recognition for 2023...



News published on and distributed by: