title: Psychological correlates of performance in female athletes during a 12-week off-season strength and conditioning program.
abstract: Examination of the relationship between performance testing and psychological measures before and after a 12-week strength and conditioning program was the study's purpose. Female NCAA Division-III soccer (n = 28), field hockey (n = 28), and softball (n = 19) athletes completed pre- and post-testing held 12 weeks apart. On day 1, athletes completed informed consent, 3 psychological measures (Profile of Mood States [POMS], Physical Self Perception Profile [PSPP], and Athlete's Self Perception of Physical Abilities [ASPPA]), and 2 strength tests (1 repetition maximum [1RM] bench, 1RM back squat). Day 2 consisted of the 30-yd sprint, pro agility run (PRO), vertical jump (VJ), and standing long jump (SLJ). All sports improved (p < 0.01) in 1RM bench and squat and reported increases in perceived Physical Strength on the PSPP (p < 0.01). Soccer athletes improved (p < 0.01) in VJ, SLJ, and PRO (p < 0.05). No differences were found in POMS scores. The POMS scores indicated that the athletes were not overtrained or experiencing staleness. A series of correlations showed relationships between physical and psychological measures. Specifically, Physical Strength was correlated with 1RM upper-body (r = 0.49, p < 0.01) and lower-body (r = 0.42, p < 0.01) strength. The PSPP Physical Strength was correlated with ASPPA ratings of upper-body (r = 0.68, p < 0.01) and lower-body (r = 0.57, p < 0.01) strength. The PSPP Sport Competence correlated with ASPPA ratings of power (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and PRO (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). The study's results highlight the benefits of strength and conditioning. Furthermore, these results demonstrate how physical changes are related to athletes' physical self-perceptions and self-assessment of ability within their teams.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies, Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA. mjones@spfldcol.edu
authors.forename: Margaret T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Tracey D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Matthews
authors.forename: Mimi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Raalte
authors.forename: Barbara E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology*; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001484:Baseball / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006688:Hockey / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D011581:Psychological Tests; D055070:Resistance Training; D012916:Soccer / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors