PubHawk
Neuropsychologia May 2004 PMID 14998709

From mental power to muscle power--gaining strength by using the mind.

Vinoth K Ranganathan, Vlodek Siemionow, Jing Z Liu, Vinod Sahgal, Guang H Yue

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Mentions

147
Peak: 17 in Nov 2020
across 6 sources since Nov 2020

Extended reach

301,154
potential audience

Total likes

1,061

Video views

30,221

Mentions per month

Nov 2020 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News65 articles
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  • Facebook11 posts
  • Blogs9 articles
  • YouTube4 videos
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

In the discussions, several contributions highlight specific findings from the study, such as strength increases of 35% through visualization as mentioned by users like @AriannaSimpson and others who talk about supplementary effects of mental training. The tone in these posts is generally enthusiastic, with one participant referring to the outcomes as 'very cool', while another wondered if such mental exercises could lead to diminishing returns, suggesting an analytical attitude towards the concept. This mix of excitement and critical questioning showcases both interest and a desire for deeper understanding.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions reflect a positive reception of the study's findings, showing some consensus on the benefits of mental training for strength gains.

InterestHigh interest

Many participants express a high level of intrigue regarding the concept of using mental visualization to enhance physical strength.

EngagementModerate engagement

While a number of posts mention details about the study, the depth of engagement varies, with some providing more critical insights, questioning aspects of the research.

ImpactHigh impact

Overall, there's a strong belief in the transformative potential of mental visualization techniques, indicating that users see a significant impact on physical training practices.

Abstract in brief

  • The study aimed to evaluate strength gains from mental training in the little finger abductor and elbow flexor muscles without physical exercise.
  • Thirty healthy volunteers were divided into three groups: two trained for mental contractions of respective muscles, and one served as a control with no training.
  • Results showed the mental training significantly increased strength in targeted muscle groups, with notable improvements in cortical signals linked to muscle activation.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
西岡卓哉 Takuya Nishioka
@taku0726_tr · X

実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/Zqvvlc6DUU https://t.co/tXJzR8TX27

Nov 18, 2020 · 157 likes · 24 shares · 14,726 followers View post →
Spartan Psyche
@SpartanPsyche · X

Proof? https://t.co/jty8yDv5Tn https://t.co/LSP85UKWFp https://t.co/l89nKibkaw Studies have been done on golfers, elite athletes, Volleyball players and others One conclusion, Visualization works.

Jan 17, 2022 · 13 likes · 1 share · 114,175 followers View post →
saintpadraig
@saintpadraig · X

@LandsharkRides Visualizing yourself exercising in your mind can also lead to strength gains! Vinoth K. Ranganathan, Vlodek Siemionowa, Jing Z. Liu, Vinod Sahgal, Guang H. Yue. From mental power to muscle power: gaining strength by using the mind. Neuropsychologia 42 (2004) 944-150;956.

May 10, 2024 · 9 likes · 250 followers View post →
Michael Ammons
@MichaelAmmons · X

@casbrad Visualize elbow flexion/muscle contraction 5 times a week for 15 minutes, 13.5% increase in strength over 12 weeks https://t.co/eNBkugKIYV

Jun 16, 2023 · 6 likes · 19,435 followers View post →
Jake Middleton
@JakeDMiddleton · X

Visualization is a powerful mental training tool. This study showed a group of normal gym goers increased muscle strength by 30% compared to another group that ONLY visualized the workouts who increased their strength by 13.5%! https://t.co/InZ0sGBvUT

Jan 12, 2021 · 5 likes · 919 followers View post →
Medlife Crisis (DEFUNCT)
@MedCrisis · X

@AlexDRobertson I don't know what the study is, as a hallmark of experts who go on self help podcasts is to just throw out claims with "research shows" or "scientists found". @BioLayne thinks it might be this, which is a comically silly study, also nothing like she claims https://t.co/WX5lFX2t3z

Sep 25, 2023 · 4 likes · 45,253 followers View post →

All mentions

Les incuries d'Augias
@incuries · X

Fun fact : la réalité virtuelle commence là : https://t.co/npGF9F6Hya At the end of training, we found that the ["mental contractions" of little finger abduction] (ABD) group had increased their finger abduction strength by 35% https://t.co/0YVl8qaYkv

Oct 14, 2025 · 357 followers View post →
William Lagakos
@caloriesproper2 · X

From mental power to muscle power—gaining strength by using the mind https://t.co/wuGpN4aW4I ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Oct 10, 2025 · 2 likes · 2,755 followers View post →
A Viral Touch
@AVITALTOUCH · X

From mental power to muscle power—gaining strength by using the mind https://t.co/uCBMZq6Hcz

Sep 19, 2025 · 154 followers View post →
Joyrider50
@joyrider50 · X

@NTFabiano From a 2004 experiment published in Neuropsychologia titled "From mental power to muscle power—gaining strength by using the mind," led by Vinoth K. Ranganathan and colleagues. In it, participants underwent 12 weeks of daily mental training (15 minutes per day, 5 days a week)

Sep 12, 2025 · 4 likes · 583 followers View post →
Aquis Querquennis
@AQuerquennis · X

From mental power to muscle power—gaining strength by using the mind https://t.co/8zCGRsg9v3

Sep 12, 2025 · 46 followers View post →
chess12
@chess121 · X

• Başlık: From Mental Power to Muscle Power—Gaining Strength by Using the Mind • Yazarlar: Vinoth K. Ranganathan, Vlodek Siemionow, Jing Z. Liu, Vinod Sahgal, Guang H. Yue • Yayın Yeri: Neuropsychologia (Elsevier) • Yayın Tarihi: 2004 (Cilt 42, Sayı 7, Sayfalar 944-956)

Sep 11, 2025 · 94 followers View post →
salubrityxv
@salubrityxv · X

https://t.co/CXGyDxVFUM

Mar 9, 2025 · 311 followers View post →
Dylan Orosz
@finalboyo.bsky.social · Bluesky

From mental power to muscle power — gaining strength by using the mind.

Mar 7, 2025 · 1 like View post →
John Estep
@jestep27 · X

@Babygravy9 Study: https://t.co/kCOADlj6DF This is very cool, though I assume it’d have diminishing returns?

Mar 2, 2025 · 134 followers View post →
222
@222TwoTwentyTwo · X

@CocoDeAqua https://t.co/SZ3vVmcCNZ Here’s the link

Oct 11, 2024 · 1 like · 1,187 followers View post →
OnFire
@NtwesSc · X

From mental power to muscle power—gaining strength by using the mind - https://t.co/bCeGVujm3A

Sep 6, 2024 · 413 followers View post →
Meal Coach
@getmealcoach · X

https://t.co/DConm4kmAm

Aug 13, 2024 · 64 followers View post →
saintpadraig
@saintpadraig · X

@LandsharkRides Visualizing yourself exercising in your mind can also lead to strength gains! Vinoth K. Ranganathan, Vlodek Siemionowa, Jing Z. Liu, Vinod Sahgal, Guang H. Yue. From mental power to muscle power: gaining strength by using the mind. Neuropsychologia 42 (2004) 944-150;956.

May 10, 2024 · 9 likes · 250 followers View post →
Empty
@rudymax · X

@catacalypto This is like a study I heard about long ago that I figured was something little kid me believe without actually questioning but no literally imagining exercising makes you stronger (but still not as strong as actually training) https://t.co/KE0QkanQu8

Jan 14, 2024 · 1 like · 89 followers View post →
Renata❤️
@RenataPapcunova · X

Ked nemozete cvicit, pripadne mate zranenenie, staci ak si predstavite ze cvicite, vas mozog zasle signaly do svalov, ktore sa potom aktivuju a posilnuju. Studia: https://t.co/HAV298LgpJ

Oct 29, 2023 · 4 likes · 1,851 followers View post →
Pedro Perez | Entrenador
@Pedroperezfit · X

Oct 27, 2023 · 1,876 followers View post →
Absolute Unit
@AbsoluteUknit · X

@AriannaSimpson https://t.co/dXQDO8sASk Study on finger abductor strength. In the physical exercise group strength increased 53%, visualization group - 35%. Idk anything about proper studies but this was one I saw cited in a book I read.

Oct 20, 2023 · 942 followers View post →
Maria Nordin
@MariaNordin · X

@miikkamancini @ladalahtinen Tutkimuksia on paljon, molemmista, niin lihasvoiman ja -massan osalta. Tässä ihan muutamia: https://t.co/BuI2CNbozz https://t.co/ozyLla0O5X

Oct 13, 2023 · 1 like · 13,208 followers View post →
Medlife Crisis (DEFUNCT)
@MedCrisis · X

@AlexDRobertson I don't know what the study is, as a hallmark of experts who go on self help podcasts is to just throw out claims with "research shows" or "scientists found". @BioLayne thinks it might be this, which is a comically silly study, also nothing like she claims https://t.co/WX5lFX2t3z

Sep 25, 2023 · 4 likes · 45,253 followers View post →
Michael Ammons
@MichaelAmmons · X

@casbrad Visualize elbow flexion/muscle contraction 5 times a week for 15 minutes, 13.5% increase in strength over 12 weeks https://t.co/eNBkugKIYV

Jun 16, 2023 · 6 likes · 19,435 followers View post →
Dr. Sam
@sam_maniar · X

3. Visualization. Numerous studies have shown that visualization can not only decrease pressure and anxiety on game day, but it can also improve performance. For example, how do gains of 23% in free throw shooting or 35% in strength (https://t.co/NtpXSdPoYK ) sound?

Jun 14, 2023 · 1 like · 1,191 followers View post →
Bo Yoder
@bo_yoder · X

The mind and mastering it is everything… https://t.co/2RDb5xgETB

May 24, 2023 · 1,993 followers View post →
Hip Hop Astrology
@HipHopAstrology · X

@BeseechU @DelanoSquires Here’s just one example. Too many to get into on Twitter, but the Bible is laced with this type wisdom. Especially when translated into organic language. https://t.co/RQamNh9gYm

Apr 12, 2023 · 1,409 followers View post →
GC
@GC_of_QC · X

Sometimes at night I think back to this (small) study which looked at strength gains following the mental vizualisation of a given exercise tl;dr count squats instead of sheep when trying to fall asleep https://t.co/s0gqdmcxCr

Mar 14, 2023 · 1 like · 668 followers View post →
Daniel Leão
@eikonos · X

@Liv_F study shows that thinking about exercise (without actually doing the exercise) provides benefits https://t.co/yMbr4C33gD

Jan 20, 2023 · 1 like · 1,279 followers View post →
“forklift certified” em
@cowlesbian · X

best shitposts are at least slightly based in fact https://t.co/DdPfZEsr4O

Jan 10, 2023 · 1 like · 978 followers View post →
Sonia
@SonLopezcastro · X

@IsmaelGalancho Me recordó a éste: "From mental power to muscle power". Suena loco, pero tal vez una alternativa para aquellos a quienes se les dificulta

Jan 7, 2023 · 4 likes · 1,040 followers View post →
ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍꜱ
@dreamsofsiberia · X

https://t.co/oSOnvDlQek

Dec 28, 2022 · 29 followers View post →
ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍꜱ
@dreamsofsiberia · X

@wherearewenowww get back to me when you’ve memorized this: https://t.co/oSOnvD3H0c

Nov 3, 2022 · 29 followers View post →
Jonathan Carson
@jonathancarson_ · X

4. What if it actually increases gains??? Have you heard of the study where people increased strength just by visualising muscle contractions? I wonder if being fully present with each rep would produce similar results? https://t.co/AFlxWnKUAz

Oct 28, 2022 · 2 likes · 1,651 followers View post →
ᴅʀᴇᴀᴍꜱ
@dreamsofsiberia · X

take me somewhere nice . . . https://t.co/oSOnvD3H0c

Sep 5, 2022 · 29 followers View post →
Ur-Caecus
@LackOfView · X

https://t.co/Zl0ftzGlRA

Jun 3, 2022 · 1 like · 1,235 followers View post →
void angel
@egregirls · X

@thot_u_shld_knw Its definitely a little silly https://t.co/L5BtDF6y8g

May 20, 2022 · 10,529 followers View post →
Dan Lowe
@alsodanlowe · X

@wtfmig Driveby workout advice, just what everyone wants... replacing one workout a week with a dedicated visualization routine is oddly effective https://t.co/Y6RgKBh7c4

May 18, 2022 · 1,572 followers View post →
tHe Alchemist
@theholisticexp · X

The Power of the Mind. that's #biohacking From mental power to muscle power--gaining strength by using the mind https://t.co/WvKIL2EbQc

Mar 8, 2022 · 2 likes · 59 followers View post →
Quinton
@Painintheas77 · X

RT @SpartanPsyche: Proof? https://t.co/jty8yDv5Tn https://t.co/LSP85UKWFp https://t.co/l89nKibkaw Studies have been done on golfers, el…

Jan 17, 2022 · 1 share · 23 followers View post →
Spartan Psyche
@SpartanPsyche · X

Proof? https://t.co/jty8yDv5Tn https://t.co/LSP85UKWFp https://t.co/l89nKibkaw Studies have been done on golfers, elite athletes, Volleyball players and others One conclusion, Visualization works.

Jan 17, 2022 · 13 likes · 1 share · 114,175 followers View post →
Jose Hilario
@LukeSkywalkerq · X

RT @LukeSkywalkerq: SOURCE: Comparative Study From mental power to muscle power--gaining strength by using the mind Vinoth K Ranganathan…

Jan 16, 2022 · 1 share · 235 followers View post →
Jose Hilario
@LukeSkywalkerq · X

SOURCE: Comparative Study From mental power to muscle power--gaining strength by using the mind Vinoth K Ranganathan et al. Neuropsychologia. 2004. https://t.co/KQ7EAeLtm7 https://t.co/CC7k0HVuSZ

Jan 16, 2022 · 1 like · 1 share · 235 followers View post →
Katie Woodland
@wookat1983 · X

Hey @GavinWince :) just catching up on yours and ToREs Studio show on time and you say 'perception can't affect reality' however there's evidence I can perceptually exercise parts of my body and physically increase muscle mass would this not count? https://t.co/jJK4YigFIu

Mar 13, 2021 · 2,780 followers View post →
Jake Middleton
@JakeDMiddleton · X

Visualization is a powerful mental training tool. This study showed a group of normal gym goers increased muscle strength by 30% compared to another group that ONLY visualized the workouts who increased their strength by 13.5%! https://t.co/InZ0sGBvUT

Jan 12, 2021 · 5 likes · 919 followers View post →
grandblue
@grandblue828 · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 20, 2020 · 24 shares · 14 followers View post →
tomohisa1226
@tomohisa1226 · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 20, 2020 · 24 shares · 478 followers View post →
HajimeChan
@HajimeChanChin · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 754 followers View post →
ベイスターズ
@bc012345678 · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 1,377 followers View post →
こうだい
@Workout_Barbell · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 56 followers View post →
ゆうた｜フィジカルテニスコーチ
@Yuta_tennislife · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 3,189 followers View post →
外部コーチ
@A9RZU0rXvbPs2vk · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 146 followers View post →
ぶっちゃー
@yama825k · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 117 followers View post →
隠者
@hermit9th · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 320 followers View post →
Tats
@penguinperforma · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 92 followers View post →
zo_bula_bula
@zo_bula_bula · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 1,755 followers View post →
ＮＨＢ
@324121212121212 · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 3,818 followers View post →
筋肉バカドットコム【公式】
@kinnikubaka · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 9,046 followers View post →
やせんだい@滅ぼしスト@池ハロ26日
@yasen9797 · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 1,833 followers View post →
mitotro
@se04se1 · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 322 followers View post →
佐藤(研)
@ken2row310 · X

RT @taku0726_tr: 実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/…

Nov 18, 2020 · 24 shares · 1,007 followers View post →
西岡卓哉 Takuya Nishioka
@taku0726_tr · X

実際に筋肉を収縮させなくても、全力で筋肉を縮めるイメージトレーニングをするだけで筋力が向上することを示唆する報告。 実際に筋肉も収縮させたほうが効果は大きいみたいだけど、リハビリなんかではかなり活かせそうな知見。 https://t.co/Zqvvlc6DUU https://t.co/tXJzR8TX27

Nov 18, 2020 · 157 likes · 24 shares · 14,726 followers View post →