The Claim

Verbal encouragement containing swearing does not significantly improve average power output, self-confidence, or psychological flow during a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test in healthy young adults when compared to identical encouragement without swearing, regardless of sex.

Source: The Effect of Verbal Encouragement with Swearing on High Intensity Exercise Performance

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
63score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Using swear words during verbal encouragement during a 30-second all-out cycling test does not result in higher power output, greater self-confidence, or stronger psychological flow in healthy young adults compared to using the same words without swearing.

See the scientific wording

Verbal encouragement containing swearing does not significantly improve average power output, self-confidence, or psychological flow during a 30-second Wingate anaerobic test in healthy young adults when compared to identical encouragement without swearing, regardless of sex.

Why this might work

When someone pushes hard during a short, all-out bike sprint, their body already uses every muscle and brain signal it can. Saying swear words or not doesn’t change how much the brain tells the muscles to fire, how strong the muscles feel, or how focused the person feels — because the body is already working at its maximum limit.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: The Effect of Verbal Encouragement with Swearing on High Intensity Exercise Performance

    The study found that using swear words during encouragement didn't help people cycle harder, feel more confident, or enjoy the workout more than regular encouragement — even though some thought it might. The only exception was men doing worse when a woman swore at them, but that doesn't change the overall result.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

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