Tobar, D. A., & Morgan, W. P. (2005). Gender, trait anxiety, and perceptual response of college swimmers during overtraining and taper. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 37(5), Supplement abstract 940.

College swimmers (M = 39; F = 31) reported training volume (yards per day), perceived exertion, and overall muscle soreness under baseline, overtraining, and tapering conditions. Trait anxiety (STAI) was assessed at baseline and used as a covariate in the analyses.

Training volume was higher during overtraining than baseline or taper. Training volume during taper was higher than during baseline. No gender effect was evidenced. Trait anxiety was not related to training volume. Both perceived exertion and muscle soreness were significantly higher in the overtrained state. Women reported greater training volume at baseline and men reported greater training volume during overtraining.

Implication. Gender and trait anxiety are related to the responses of college swimmers during overtraining and taper.

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