Carl, D. L., Tyree, B., & Strasser, S. (2001). Effect of environment and training on mood states of competitive swimmers. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33(5), Supplement abstract 1252.

This investigation evaluated the effects of high volume, high intensity swim training on the moods states of collegiate swimmers throughout a competitive season. Division I swimmers (M = 11; F = 14) and college students (M = 8; F = 13) completed the POMS on 10 occasions by relating how the S felt over the previous 72 hours. Four successive four-week tests were conducted, and a further three tests corresponded to the onset, middle, and conclusion of winter break training. An eighth evaluation occurred after four more weeks of training, and the final two assessments were conducted before and after conference championships.

Swimmers' total mood scores were lower during the winter break than during any training time, despite training volume being increased by +30% during that break. Fatigue scores were significantly higher during normal training for swimmers than for the college-student control group. No gender differences were evident.

It appears that the removal or college academic life, such as occurred during the winter break, positively affects global mood scores.

Implication. Swim training and college life are stressful. The removal of academic demands reduces the stress.

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