Improving Motor Skills: The Role of Music and Encouragement

Duration of the task,Biceps Brachii muscle fatigue,Triceps Brachii muscle fatigue,Biceps Brachii activity,Triceps Brachii activity

This study used a randomised crossover design to analyse the effect of three different
 experimental interventions - i.e. standard conditions, music and verbal encouragement - on
 performance in an isometric endurance task, comparing results between untrained and trained
 individuals. The interval between each intervention was set at seven days. The outcome
 measures are muscle activity and fatigue, assessed by surface electromyography, and task
 duration.
 
 Isometric endurance task requires participants to keep their arm flexed at a 90° angle while
 holding a dumbbell with a supine grip loaded to 80% of 1RM on the dominant side of the body.
 During execution, the back and head should remain in contact with a vertical wall, with the
 feet shoulder width apart and firmly planted on the floor. The bar is held with the dominant
 arm while the other arm remains in a neutral position close to the body. It is imperative to
 avoid any form of rocking or movement that would make it easier to maintain the position. The
 test officially begins when the bar is handed to the subject, who is already in the correct
 position, and ends as soon as the angle of the arm varies by more than five degrees from the
 starting position.