Regulation of Endurance Performance: New Frontiers

Regulation of Endurance Performance: New Frontiers
Author: Alexis R. Mauger
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2017-11-22
Genre:
ISBN: 2889453294

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Successful endurance performance requires the integration of multiple physiological and psychological systems, working together to regulate exercise intensity in a way that will reduce time taken or increase work done. The systems that ultimately limit performance of the task are hotly contested, and may depend on a variety of factors including the type of task, the environment, external influences, training status of the individual and a host of psychological constructs. These factors can be studied in isolation, or inclusively as a whole-body or integrative system. A reductionist approach has traditionally been favoured, leading to a greater understanding and emphasis on muscle and cardiovascular physiology, but the role of the brain and how this integrates multiple systems is gaining momentum. However, these differing approaches may have led to false dichotomy, and now with better understanding of both fields, there is a need to bring these perspectives together. The divergent viewpoints of the limitations to human performance may have partly arisen because of the different exercise models studied. These can broadly be defined as open loop (where a fixed intensity is maintained until task disengagement), or closed loop (where a fixed distance is completed in the fastest time), which may involve whole-body or single-limb exercise. Closed loop exercise allows an analysis of how exercise intensity is self-regulated (i.e. pacing), and thus may better reflect the demands of competitive endurance performance. However, whilst this model can monitor changes in pacing, this is often at the expense of detecting subtle differences in the measured physiological or psychological variables of interest. Open loop exercise solves this issue, but is limited by its more restrictive exercise model. Nonetheless, much can be learnt from both experimental approaches when these constraints are recognised. Indeed, both models appear equally effective in examining changes in performance, and so the researcher should select the exercise model which can most appropriately test the study hypothesis. Given that a multitude of both internal (e.g. muscle fatigue, perception of effort, dietary intervention, pain etc.) and external (e.g. opponents, crowd presence, course topography, extrinsic reward etc.) factors likely contribute to exercise regulation and endurance performance, it may be that both models are required to gain a comprehensive understanding. Consequently, this research topic seeks to bring together papers on endurance performance from a variety of paradigms and exercise models, with the overarching aim of comparing, examining and integrating their findings to better understand how exercise is regulated and how this may (or may not) limit performance.

Endurance Performance in Sport

Endurance Performance in Sport
Author: Carla Meijen
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2019
Genre: Athletes
ISBN: 9781138053199

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"Athletes participating at all levels of endurance performance can relate to the impact of psychological factors. Whether it be exercise-induced pain, self-belief, anxiety, sticking to a pacing strategy, or focusing on internal or external influences, there are a vast number of issues which can affect endurance. Bringing together experts in endurance performance from around the world, this is the first text to provide a detailed overview of the psychology of endurance performance with an emphasis on research or applied focus, including both main theoretical models as well as how interventions can support an athlete's efficacy and well-being. The authors look at regulatory processes around pain, decision-making, emotions and meta-cognition, before a range of cognitive strategies, including using imagery, self-talk and mindfulness techniques, are examined. With a final section of the book outlining issues related to mental health that are relevant to endurance performance, the book shows that the future of research and application of psychological theory in endurance performance in sport is bright and thriving. Aimed at students, researchers, coaches and athletes themselves, this is essential reading for anyone wishing to better understand how our minds experience endurance in performance arenas, and what techniques work better to make us more efficient"--

Competitive and High Performance Endurance Athletes' Experiences and Management of Exercise-Induced Pain, Mental Performance, Mental Health, and Mental Illness Symptoms

Competitive and High Performance Endurance Athletes' Experiences and Management of Exercise-Induced Pain, Mental Performance, Mental Health, and Mental Illness Symptoms
Author: Jonathan Lasnier
Publisher:
Total Pages:
Release: 2022
Genre:
ISBN:

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The overall aim of this doctoral research was to study competitive and high performance endurance athletes' experiences and management of exercise-induced pain (EIP), mental performance (i.e., self-regulation, mindfulness), mental health, and mental illness symptoms. A mixed methods experimental design guided by the pragmatic stance was employed across three studies to (a) investigate how elite endurance athletes experience and manage EIP (Study 1), (b) compare the effectiveness of an online self-regulation and mindfulness intervention in improving EIP catastrophizing, mental performance (i.e., self-regulation, mindfulness), mental health, and mental illness symptoms in middle-distance runners (Study 2), and (c) qualitatively examine the impact of the online intervention focusing on self-regulation or mindfulness and designed to help endurance athletes improve EIP management, mental performance (i.e., self-regulation and mindfulness), and mental health (Study 3). Study 1. With a paucity of research investigating EIP management in elite endurance sports, the purpose of Study 1 was to examine how elite endurance athletes experience and manage EIP, using an applied self-regulation lens to help inform the work of Mental Performance Consultants (MPCs). Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 female and 3 male athletes (Mage = 23.73, SD = 2.31) competing in track and field (i.e., 600-1500 m; n = 5), swimming (i.e., 200-400 m; n = 5), and canoe kayak (i.e., 500-1000 m; n = 5). Given the centrality of self-regulation and the necessity to effectively manage internal states (e.g., EIP) in elite sport, the social cognitive model of self-regulation was employed to guide Study 1. The codebook thematic analysis generated two themes and six subthemes (i.e., sensations [burning, tightness, heaviness], beliefs [detrimental, mental, progressive]) related to the experience of EIP as well as three themes and 17 subthemes (i.e., preparation [accept and commit to EIP, recall sources of self-efficacy, develop a segmented performance plan, be accountable to training partners or coach, expose yourself to EIP when training, expose yourself to EIP when warming up, use imagery, implement typical pre-performance routine; execution [direct attention away from EIP, use instructional/motivational self-talk, implement a segmented performance plan, regulate breathing and relax, accelerate pace, self-monitor]; evaluation [reflect using a training journal, identify possible explanations, talk with a coach]) related to the management of EIP. Findings suggest that the experience of EIP is highly cognitive and generally perceived as detrimental to performance if not effectively managed. Athletes used several psychological strategies to prepare to experience EIP, reduce the aversive effects of EIP while performing, and learn from their EIP management strategies to improve their coping capacity. In terms of the number of reported psychological strategies, findings suggest that those used to prepare to experience EIP seem to be a priority. In general, the most popular strategies pertained to accepting and committing to experiencing EIP and directing attention away from EIP. Novel strategies not typically reported in the literature included exposing oneself to EIP when warming up, being accountable to training partners or coaches, using imagery to rehearse reactions to EIP, and accelerating one's pace. Importantly, combining self-regulation and mindfulness strategies appears to be key to effectively manage EIP. Study 2. No research has compared the impact of online sport psychology interventions on various outcomes affecting endurance athletes while employing an active control group. The purpose of Study 2 was therefore to compare the effectiveness of an online self-regulation and mindfulness intervention in improving EIP catastrophizing, mental performance (i.e., self-regulation, mindfulness), mental health, and mental illness symptoms in middle-distance runners. Using a pre-post experimental design, 61 middle-distance runners competing at provincial to international levels were allocated to either a self-regulation, mindfulness, or active control group using stratified randomization. They completed a pre-intervention survey measuring EIP catastrophizing, mental performance (i.e., self-regulation capacity, dispositional mindfulness), mental health, and mental illness symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, and eating disorder). A final sample of 52 participants (i.e., 17 self-regulation, 19 mindfulness, and 16 active control) completed the interventions and a post-intervention survey measuring the same outcomes addressed in the pre-intervention survey. Contrary to hypotheses, results from multiple mixed ANOVAs indicated that while mean scores trended in the positive direction between Time 1 and Time 2, the self-regulation and mindfulness interventions did not significantly differ from the active control intervention on the targeted outcomes. Interestingly, when excluding athletes who screened positive for mental illness symptoms (i.e., anxiety, depression, and/or eating disorder), the active control intervention was more effective in reducing anxiety symptoms than the mindfulness intervention. Overall, the self-regulation and mindfulness interventions were not any more effective than the active control intervention in improving the selected outcomes. Study 3. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the impact of the online sport psychology intervention from Study 2, which focused on either self-regulation or mindfulness and was designed to help endurance athletes improve EIP management, mental performance (i.e., self-regulation, mindfulness), and mental health. A sample of 16 middle-distance runners (i.e., 11 women and 5 men) aged between 18 to 25 years old (Mage = 21.31, SD = 2.18) who participated in the eight-module SI or MI were purposefully selected based on their high, moderate, and low pre-post evolution scores. The codebook thematic analysis generated three themes and 13 subthemes (i.e., EIP management [reframing, understanding, self-talk, segmented performance plan]; mental performance [attention regulation, motivation, self-monitoring, self-efficacy, acceptance, defusion]; mental health [self-compassion, autonomy, support]) related to the participants' perceived changes as well as three themes and seven subthemes (i.e., delivery format [asynchronous, synchronous], content [applicability, audio and video files, examples, metaphors], timing [alignment with competitive season]) related to participants' recommendations. Findings suggest that both the self-regulation and mindfulness intervention positively impacted EIP management, mental performance, and mental health. Self-regulation and mindfulness should therefore be seen as complementary rather than conflicting or incompatible approaches. Furthermore, athletes reported that their EIP literacy and EIP management skills were limited at the onset of the intervention. Consequently, an educational component should continue to be integrated in future interventions to provide an overview of EIP and relevant mental performance skills to manage it. Given the prevalence of stressors and mental health challenges in competitive and high performance sport, screening for both positive mental health and mental illness symptoms at the onset of interventions is recommended so that athletes partaking in applied sport psychology studies can obtain appropriate mental health care and support as needed. Lastly, a hybrid delivery format incorporating both asynchronous and synchronous options may be the most effective when providing online sport psychology interventions. Overall, the findings of the current doctoral research suggest that both self-regulation and mindfulness strategies positively impact EIP management, mental performance, and mental health in endurance athletes. This inquiry is also the first to quantitatively and qualitatively compare the effectiveness of an online asynchronous self-regulation and mindfulness intervention in improving key outcomes affecting endurance athletes. With increased applied research and mental performance consulting occurring virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to continue examining the quality and impact of online interventions on athletes.

Regulation of Endurance Performance: New Frontiers

Regulation of Endurance Performance: New Frontiers
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2017
Genre:
ISBN:

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Successful endurance performance requires the integration of multiple physiological and psychological systems, working together to regulate exercise intensity in a way that will reduce time taken or increase work done. The systems that ultimately limit performance of the task are hotly contested, and may depend on a variety of factors including the type of task, the environment, external influences, training status of the individual and a host of psychological constructs. These factors can be studied in isolation, or inclusively as a whole-body or integrative system. A reductionist approach has traditionally been favoured, leading to a greater understanding and emphasis on muscle and cardiovascular physiology, but the role of the brain and how this integrates multiple systems is gaining momentum. However, these differing approaches may have led to false dichotomy, and now with better understanding of both fields, there is a need to bring these perspectives together. The divergent viewpoints of the limitations to human performance may have partly arisen because of the different exercise models studied. These can broadly be defined as open loop (where a fixed intensity is maintained until task disengagement), or closed loop (where a fixed distance is completed in the fastest time), which may involve whole-body or single-limb exercise. Closed loop exercise allows an analysis of how exercise intensity is self-regulated (i.e. pacing), and thus may better reflect the demands of competitive endurance performance. However, whilst this model can monitor changes in pacing, this is often at the expense of detecting subtle differences in the measured physiological or psychological variables of interest. Open loop exercise solves this issue, but is limited by its more restrictive exercise model. Nonetheless, much can be learnt from both experimental approaches when these constraints are recognised. Indeed, both models appear equally effective in examining changes in performance, and so the researcher should select the exercise model which can most appropriately test the study hypothesis. Given that a multitude of both internal (e.g. muscle fatigue, perception of effort, dietary intervention, pain etc.) and external (e.g. opponents, crowd presence, course topography, extrinsic reward etc.) factors likely contribute to exercise regulation and endurance performance, it may be that both models are required to gain a comprehensive understanding. Consequently, this research topic seeks to bring together papers on endurance performance from a variety of paradigms and exercise models, with the overarching aim of comparing, examining and integrating their findings to better understand how exercise is regulated and how this may (or may not) limit performance.

Seven Steps to Peak Performance

Seven Steps to Peak Performance
Author: Richard M. Suinn
Publisher:
Total Pages: 118
Release: 1986
Genre: Physical education and training
ISBN:

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This manual enables athletes to enhance their performance through mental training. It has been field-tested by the elite athletes, and its effectiveness was also tested in a laboratory study with students enrolled in an introductory sport course. The manual is appropriate for competitive or recreational athletes to enhance those psychological skills relating to performance. It can be used in conjunction with the consultation of a coach/instructor and a sports psychologist, or be implemented into a self-directed program. The mental skills taught here include relaxation, stress management, positive thought control, self-regulation, mental rehearsal, concentration, and energy control.

Performance Optimization in Racket Sports: the Influence of Psychological Techniques, Factors, and Strategies, 2nd edition

Performance Optimization in Racket Sports: the Influence of Psychological Techniques, Factors, and Strategies, 2nd edition
Author: Nicolas Robin
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Total Pages: 85
Release: 2023-07-21
Genre: Science
ISBN: 2832531105

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Research and empirical work have revealed the importance of psychological/mental skills, factors, and strategies in improving athletic performance, especially in racket sports. High levels of self-confidence, commitment, motivation as well as the ability to imagine, self-regulate, set and achieved goals, control emotion, stress, and anxiety facilitate the ability of the racket sport players to achieve peak performance. For example, players and coaches recognize that the mental or psychological factor should be considered and trained in the same way as the technical or physical components. The aim of this Research Topic is to bring together articles in which psychological techniques, factors, or strategies are discussed, used, or tested in order to improve the performance of racket sport players such as tennis, table tennis, badminton, or squash, and also in new activities such as racketlon, paddle or beach tennis. Topics of primary interest include, but are not limited to: • Mental training for racket sports; • The role of mental coach in racket sports; • Psychological strategies to improve the performance in racket sports; • Relationship between performance and psychological factors; • Applied performance enhancement by means of psychological technics; • Measures of psychological variables in racket sport players; • Training of psychological skills for performance improvement in racket sport.

Sports Psychology for Athletes

Sports Psychology for Athletes
Author: Epic Rios
Publisher:
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2019-09-15
Genre:
ISBN: 9781693279973

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Have you tried to Develop a Champion Mindset but were confronted with Fear, Doubt and Disbelief? Do You Want to Learn How to Develop Amazing Mental Toughness, Resilience and Optimism for Achieving Greatness in Life? If so, then this Powerful Sports Psychology for Athletes 2.0 book will teach you how to Think, Train and Eat for Optimal Physical and Mental Performance!!! This Sports Psychology for Athletes 2.0 book is divided into four sections. The first section, Mental Toughness, will teach you: (A) How to develop extraordinary confidence, razor sharp focus and a positive mindset for achieving any goal in life. (B) How to develop tremendous resilience and how to use mental toughness as a superpower for overcoming adversity, obstacles and challenges in life. (C) How to develop and maintain unbelievable self-control especially when making important decisions and while facing intense pressure and distractions in life. (D) How to greatly improve your self-image and self-esteem in order to have the confidence to relentlessly pursue your goals and dreams in life. (E) How to become your own coach and self-motivate yourself to push yourself beyond your self-limitations. The second section of this book, Bodybuilding, will teach you: (A) How to a build an amazing well-proportioned, athletic body like the Ancient Greek Warriors. (B) The type of workouts, exercises and daily training the Ancient Greeks performed for getting fit. (C) How Ancient Olympic Athletes prepared and trained for succeeding at the Olympic Games. (D) A functional and effective 8-Week Training Program that will help transform your body into a modern-day Greek Warrior. The third section of this book, Intermittent Fasting, will teach you: (A) Important intermittent fasting schedules and methods for effectively burning fat. (B) Powerful intermittent fasting tips and strategies for safely losing weight. (C) Effective nutrition meal planning recipes and ideas for getting lean and fit. (D) Useful tips and strategies for developing and maintaining discipline with your eating habits. The fourth section of this book, 31 Ways to Optimize you Health, will teach you: (A) How to create a Fitness Purpose so that you can know exactly what you are training for. (B) Important strategies that will save you time, money and energy on cooking and preparing your meals. (C) How to create and use a Fitness Calendar for optimizing your health and fitness lifestyle. Simply, after reading this powerful Sports Psychology for Athletes 2.0 book you will develop a "Champion Mindset" and a true Warrior Spirit. You will also learn how to achieve Optimal Physical and Mental Performance by changing the way you think, train and eat. So are you ready to let go of Fear, Doubt and Disbelief and instead Develop a Champion Mindset? Are you ready to Develop Amazing Mental Toughness, Resilience and Optimism for Achieving Greatness in Life? Then BUY this Must-read Sports Psychology for Athletes 2.0 book NOW!