The Claim
Verbal encouragement containing swearing has no significant effect on average power output, self-confidence, or psychological flow during the Wingate Anaerobic Test in physically active adults.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
In physically active adults, using swear words during verbal encouragement does not change power output, self-confidence, or psychological flow during a high-intensity cycling test.
See the scientific wording
Verbal encouragement containing swearing does not significantly improve average power output, self-confidence, or psychological flow during the Wingate Anaerobic Test in physically active adults overall, contradicting prior claims that swearing enhances anaerobic performance.
When someone swears during a short, intense workout, their brain does not send stronger signals to their muscles, their heart rate and energy use do not increase, and their focus or sense of being 'in the zone' does not change. Their body responds the same way as if they heard neutral words.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: The Effect of Verbal Encouragement with Swearing on High Intensity Exercise Performance
When people were told to swear during a tough bike test, it didn’t make them stronger, more confident, or more 'in the zone'—except for men who seemed to get distracted when a woman told them to swear. Overall, swearing didn’t help.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.