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Int J Sports Med 2005; 26(6): 492-498
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821137
Behavioral Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Modelling the Relationships between Training, Anxiety, and Fatigue in Elite Athletes

G. P. Millet1 , A. Groslambert 2 , B. Barbier2 , J. D. Rouillon2 , R. B. Candau1
  • 1Laboratoire UPRES-EA 3759 «Approche bio-psycho-sociale du dopage», Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Montpellier, France
  • 2Laboratoire des Sciences du Sport, Besançon, France
Further Information

Publication History

Accepted after revision: April 25, 2004

Publication Date:
10 September 2004 (online)

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of 40-week training on anxiety and perceived fatigue in four elite triathletes. Anxiety and perceived fatigue were self-reported by the subjects twice a week by the way of a specific questionnaire and were linked by a mathematical model to the training loads calculated from the exercise heart rate. A significant relationship (r = 0.32; p < 0.001) between the training loads and anxiety was identified using a two-component model: a first, negative (i.e., anxiety decreased) short-term (τ1 = 23 days) function and a second, positive long-term (τ2 = 59 days) function. The relationship between the training loads and perceived fatigue was significant (r = 0.30; p < 0.001), with one negative function (τ1 = 4 days). This mathematical model can potentially describe the relationships between training loads and anxiety or perceived fatigue and may improve both the adjustment of the duration of tapering and the early detection of staleness.

Key words

Mathematical model - periodisation - training loads - triathletes

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Grégoire Millet

Faculté des Sciences du Sport

700 Avenue du pic St Loup

34000 Montpellier

France

Phone: + 33467415749

Fax: + 33 4 67 41 57 08

Email: g.millet@univ-montp1.fr