Dynamic Stability of Task-Related Thoughts in Trained Runners

in The Sport Psychologist

Click name to view affiliation

Sergi García University of Barcelona

Search for other papers by Sergi García in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Selen Razon Ball State University

Search for other papers by Selen Razon in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Robert Hristovski Ss. Cyril and Methodius University

Search for other papers by Robert Hristovski in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Natàlia Balagué Florida State University

Search for other papers by Natàlia Balagué in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Gershon Tenenbaum Florida State University

Search for other papers by Gershon Tenenbaum in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2014-0094
Keywords:
runners; task-related thoughts; nonlinear dynamic systems approach
In Print:
Volume 29: Issue 4
Page Range:
302–309
Restricted access

Drawing upon the nonlinear model of attention focus, the purpose of this study was to compare the intrinsic and intentional dynamics of task-related thoughts (TRT) in trained runners and nonrunners during an incremental maximal test. Fourteen trained runners and 14 nonrunners were assigned to 2 conditions: intrinsic (nonimposed thoughts) and intentional (imposed, task-unrelated thoughts; TUT). A significant effect of running velocity over TUT/TRT dynamics in both groups and conditions was observed (p < .001). Although, all participants received instructions to keep TUT for the entire duration of the test, an initially stable TUT phase was followed by a metastable phase (i.e., switches between TUT and TRT) an a final stable TRT phase nearing volitional exhaustion. The stable TRT phase lasted longer in runners group (p < .05) and included higher probabilities in pace monitoring thoughts subcategory (p < .05). The results revealed that trained runners seem to use TRT (i.e., pace monitoring) to maximize performance, and confirm the nonlinear model of attention focus during incremental maximal run in trained runners and nonrunners.

García and Balagué are with the National Institute of Physical Education of Catalonia, University Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Razon is with the School of PE, Sport and Exercise Science, Ball State University, Muncie, IN. Hristovski is with the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Macedonia. Tenenbaum is with the Dept. of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL.

Address author correspondence to Natàlia Balagué at nataliabalague@gmail.com.
  • Collapse
  • Expand

The Sport Psychologist

Cover The Sport Psychologist
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 1690 400 25
Full Text Views 59 13 1
PDF Downloads 12 0 0