Effect of Repeated Verbal Stimulation upon a Flexor-Extensor Relationship

Abstract

Previous work with psychiatric patients has indicated that repeated verbal stimulation, without induction of hypnotic trance, may produce definite — though transitory — personality changes. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine whether such repeated verbal stimulation would affect an objectively measurable physiological state. Accordingly, we chose to study flexor-extensor (biceps-triceps) dominance of the right upper arm. Several means designed to increase the effectiveness of repeated verbal stimulation were employed. Prior to verbal stimulation, electromyographic recordings were carried out in order to determine the amount and direction of dominance in the flexor-extensor relationship. In three of four patients, the prestimulation recordings revealed flexor dominance with only slight extensor dominance in the fourth patient. In all four cases a recorded statement to the effect that the right arm was extending was played repeatedly to the patient. Results showed that in all four cases there was a statistically significant shift in the direction of greater extensor dominance. Evidence was cited favoring the conclusion that the positive effects of repeated verbal stimulation were not simply produced by voluntary muscular contraction or posturing on the part of the patients. The relevance of present findings to problems in the field of psychosomatic medicine is suggested.