Abstract

This study examined the impact of a multimodal cognitive/behavioral distress management training program on novice runners psychological responses and running efficiency. Twenty-two college-aged females completed a V02max test, were randomly assigned to either a distress management training program (DMT) or a no-treatment control, and given pre- and post-treatment exercise on a treadmill at 75 of V02max followed by a run to exhaustion at 85 V02max. RPEs, VO2, HRs, and Feeling Scale ratings were collected at the end of each minute of the submaximal run and during the final minute of the run to exhaustion. In addition, four subjects from each group were randomly selected to participate in pre- and post-training biomechanical analyses. Results revealed that, during the latter stages of the submaximal run, those subjects given DMT reported significantly lower RPEs and exhibited more positive affect than the control group. While the groups reported similar RPEs during the final minute of the run to exhaustion, those who received DMT expressed a more positive mind set via the feeling scale. The groups did not differ in either physiological or biomechanical efficiency. Verf.-Referat