Warren, B., Newton, M., Niedfeldt, C., & Savage, H. (1997). Relationship of anatomical and achievement motivation goals to injury conditions in collegiate track athletes. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), Supplement abstract 697.

College track athletes (N = 7) participated in the study. It was found that achievement motivation goals were related significantly with performance (5 and 10 km running times) and with injury. It was proposed that more serious athletes develop anatomical propensities towards injury (e.g., poorer hamstring and quadriceps flexibility) because of the greater amount of physical stress they endure.

Implication. High aspirations to perform is a characteristic of better track athletes. High levels of performance and improvement should not be expected from individuals who are not "driven" to achieve.

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