Mood States Across a Competitive Season in Collegiate Female Rowers: A Prospective Observational Analysis

This prospective observational study examined longitudinal changes in mood states, training load, sleep, and perceptual responses in collegiate female rowers over a competitive season, with the goal of informing applied athlete monitoring strategies. Twelve athletes completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) twice weekly and reported rating of perceived exertion (RPE), sleep quantity and quality, and weekly training distance throughout the spring season. Menstrual status was recorded descriptively. Significant improvements in psychological well-being were observed as the season progressed. Fatigue (p = 0.002), confusion (p = 0.026), TMD (p = 0.033), and sleep quality (p = 0.009) were significantly lower in the late season compared with early season, reflecting small-to-moderate effect sizes. Other mood subscales, including tension, depression, anger, and vigor, did not change significantly across the season. Similarly, sleep quantity remained similar throughout the season; however, sleep quality increased significantly (p = 0.009). Across all observations, higher perceived exertion was strongly associated with greater negative mood states, while reduced sleep quantity was associated with elevated tension and depression. Weekly training distance was not significantly related to mood disturbance, suggesting psychological responses were more closely linked to perceptual and recovery-related factors than to external training volume. These findings highlight the value of longitudinal psychological monitoring in collegiate female athletes and suggest that mood states may improve as athletes adapt to training and competitive demands. Regular assessment of mood, sleep, and perceived exertion may support individualized wellness planning, inform coaching and recovery strategies, and facilitate early identification of maladaptation in female collegiate sport settings.