title: Psychological effects during reduced training in distance runners.
abstract: Reduced training is most frequently employed by swimmers prior to an important competition. To investigate what occurs during reduced training in runners, ten well-trained adult male distance runners trained for 4 weeks at their baseline training distance (BT), followed by a 3-week period of a 70% reduction in training volume (RT). At the same time each week the subjects completed the Profile of Moods States (POMS) and Physical Self-Efficacy Scale (PSES). Overall and leg ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were given each week while running at two consistent speeds on a motor-driven treadmill. Responses to the POMS, PSES, and Sport Competition Anxiety Test were also obtained prior to 5-km races during BT and RT. Pre-race and weekly global mood state was improved (less negative) during RT. Pre-race vigor decreased significantly (P less than 0.01) at RT week 2 as compared with BT, and then increased significantly (P less than 0.01) at RT week 3 as compared with week 2. Pre-race tension decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) at RT week 3. A significant (P less than 0.01) drop in testing day fatigue occurred at RT week 1 as compared with BT. Reduced RPEs were also noted during RT weeks 2 and 3 at the slower running speed. No differences were found for competition anxiety or physical self-efficacy. Racing performance remained constant throughout the study. These results suggest that the subjects were unaccustomed to RT, but maintained a positive mood state particularly when it was realized that performance capability was unaltered.
authors.affiliation: Honors College, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana.
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Wittig
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Houmard
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Costill
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012420:Running