Bakker, F. C., Boschker, M. S., & Chung, T. (1996). Changes in muscular activity while imagining weight lifting using stimulus or response propositions. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 18, 313-324.

Males (N = 22) and females (N = 17) imaged the lifting of 4.5 and 9 kg weights. EMG recordings of both biceps brachii muscles were assessed. Imagery ability was assessed with the Movement Imagery Questionnaire. Instructions (propositions) were expressed as responses or stimuli.

During imagined lifting, EMB activity was higher in the active arm than the passive arm. A significant difference between the two imagined weights was registered in the active arm. Response propositions (concentrating on how the act should be done) elicited greater EMG activity than did stimulus propositions.

Implication. Neuromuscular facilitation through imagery is likely to be greatest when what and how to do an action is imagined.

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