Psychological effects during reduced training in distance runners.

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.