Relationship between training volume and mood states in competitive swimmers during a 24-week season

Mood states have been shown to be sensitive to periods of overtraining among endurance athletes. To examine the relationship between training volume and specific mood states, the Profile of Mood States was administered biweekly to 12 male and 17 female collegiate swimmers over the course of a competitive season. Pearson correlations were estimates of the relationship between mean subscores and training volume. Mean training volume for the comparison periods ranged from 3,868 to 12,500 meters/day. Mean ratings of both Anger and Vigor were significantly negatively correlated with training volume (-.58 and -.54, respectively). In addition, Fatigue was significantly correlated with training volume (r=.53), but the mean subscores for Tension, Depression, Confusion, and Global Mood were not significantly correlated with training volume. Results support previous research reporting mood disturbances with increased training volumes but do not support suggestions of an increased tendency towards higher scores on depression.