Research
Neural
Using an internal focus of attention during resistance training resulted in a 12.4% increase in elbow flexor thickness compared to a 6.9% increase with an external focus.
Practitioners should consider encouraging an internal focus during resistance training to enhance muscle growth.
StrongSupportsmedium confidence
Results show significantly greater increases in elbow flexor thickness in INTERNAL versus EXTERNAL (12.4% vs. 6.9%, respectively);
Why this rating
Based on the randomized controlled trial design.
Source
Differential effects of attentional focus strategies during long‐term resistance training
Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · European Journal of Sport Science · 2018
DOI 10.1080/17461391.2018.1447020
rct · n=30Cited 49×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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