Differences in Mood Among Elite Athletesin Artistic Roller, Figure, and Inline Speed SkatingBefore and After Competition

Authors: Barkhoff, Harald; Heiby, Elaine M

Source: European Journal of Sport Science, Volume 4, Number 3, Number 3/September 2004 , pp. 22-32(11)

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Abstract:

This study explored whether elite artistic skating athletes differ from elite inline speed skating athletes in terms of mood as assessed before and after competi-tion. Its secondary purpose was to determine whether mood states in athletes generally differ before competition, as compared to after. Thirty-nine athletes in artistic and inline speed skating participated in this study during the German national and European championships. Participants were top-ranked elite skat-ers, including 17 German national champions, nine European and four World champions as well as four participants in recent Olympic Games. Artistic skat-ers exhibited more delight and less listlessness both before and after competi-tion. Inline speed skaters reported greater arousal before competition, whereas artistic skaters reported more arousal after competition. All skaters reported more activation before competition as compared to after competition. These results have implications for athletes' preparation for and participation in sports competition.

Keywords: Mood; artistic skating; inline speed skating; competition; elite athletes

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/17461390400074302

Affiliations: 1: Health & Physical Education, Social Sciences, University of Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii

Publication date: 2004-09-01