Various training methods and how they effect mood states

Despite the abundance of research examining the benefits of both interval and continuous training methods, very little research had been completed investigating the mood states that encourage or discourage the runners utilizing these training methods. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of interval training and continuous training on mood states. Thirty college aged men and women were randomly divided into two groups. One group was trained on a short distance (100-200 meters) interval program, while the other group was trained on longer, steady, continuous runs. Both groups were pretested, trained, and posttested. The testing instrument utilized was the Profile of Mood States Inventories (POMS). The inventory consisted of tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, vigor, fatigue, and confusion-bewilderment. After analyzing the data utilizing a two-way ANOVA, there was a slight trend between training methods and a change in mood states; however, neither method had significant effect on mood states. Specifically, it was noted that both methods had a positive effect on vigor and reduced fatigue.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.A.