Relationship between mood states and Overtraining syndrome in young athletes

Abstract

This study analyzed the association between mood states and Overtraining Syndrome (OTS) in young athletes and the possible differences in mood states and in OTS considering the competitive level and age groups. Methods: In total, 219 young athletes, aged between 13 and 17 years old (M = 14.81; SD = 1.35), were considered for analysis in this study. Results: The results demonstrate that there is a positive and significant relationship between depression, maladjustment to training, confusion (negative) and tension with OTS. Significant differences were also found in the mood states, anger and depression at the competitive level, and in confusion (positive) and anger according to age. Conclusions: These data indicate, not only, that there is a positive association between negative mood states and OTS, as well as the existence of differences between competitive levels and between age groups, therefore, it is necessary to take these variables into account.