Fluctuating Mood Profiles (POMS) among elite judo athletes during a competition period

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the evolution of the training load and the mood states of elite judo athletes during the competition season. Seven elite judo athletes were selected. The training load (judo-specific, weight training, and aerobic training) was monitored quantitatively and an adapted Profile of Mood States questionnaire (Balaguer et al., 1995) was administered weekly (for 6 weeks), including competitions days. Analyses showed that the type of training load has an effect on mood states. When aerobic training increased, scores on Tension, Depression and Anger also rose, while there was a drop in the Vigour factor. These findings may be helpful to coaches who have to programme aerobic training during competition periods.