Mood, neuromuscular function, and performance during training in female swimmers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Neuromuscular Function

Background:

• Periodized training is crucial for optimizing athletic performance.
• Understanding the physiological and psychological impacts of varying training loads is essential for athlete well-being and performance.
• Collegiate swimmers provide a relevant model for studying the effects of intense training cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of seasonal training load variations on mood, neuromuscular function, and physical power in collegiate swimmers.
• To determine how different training stages (baseline, peak, taper) influence key performance and psychological indicators.
• To explore the relationship between neuromuscular responses, power output, and mood states.

Main Methods:

• 12 collegiate women swimmers were assessed at three training stages: baseline, peak, and taper.
• Mood was measured using the Profile of Mood States.
• Neuromuscular function was assessed via the soleus Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex).
• Anaerobic power was measured using a 30-s tethered swim test.
• Maximal aerobic power was determined by a maximal 378-m swim.

Main Results:

• Peak training significantly reduced H-reflex (8.6%) and peak anaerobic swimming power (9.4%) compared to baseline.
• Total mood disturbance increased significantly during peak training.
• All measured variables returned to baseline levels during the taper phase.
• H-reflex correlated positively with anaerobic swimming power, and mood disturbance correlated negatively with mean swimming power.

Conclusions:

• Periodized training influences neuromuscular function, anaerobic power, and mood states in swimmers.
• Neurological mechanisms appear to mediate adaptations to periodized training loads.
• Training load management, including tapering, is critical for recovery and performance maintenance.