Testing the Effects of “Blind” Weight Lifting on Collegiate Football Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of knowing versus not knowing the weight being lifted and its effects on a five repetition maximum (5-RM) during squat in male collegiate athletes. This study received approval from the Hanover College Institutional Review Board with regard to the use of human subjects. Methods: Ten male subjects volunteered to participate. A baseline 5-RM squat was tested for each individual. From their 5-RM a 1-RM was calculated using the formula (weight/ (1.0278-(.0278*reps))). Subjects were then assigned to either the control (see weight) or experimental (covered weight) group. Three more trials were then completed in random order (retest baseline 5-RM, 6% above baseline 5RM and 4% below baseline 5RM). Results and discussion: Data collection is ongoing. However, pilot data suggests that individuals were able to lift more weight when they did not know the specific amount being lifted. When re-testing subjects in the experimental group on their baseline 5-RM weight, they completed on average two extra reps which has increased their calculated 1-RM. Re-testing the baseline 5-RM in the control group has led to no increase in calculated 1-RM