Changes in mood states of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during training and competition

Abstract

The literature demonstrates the influence of psychological aspects on sport performance of athletes. Mood can vary in intensity and duration and involves six factors: tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, and vigor. This study aimed to verify changes in mood states of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during training and competition. Fourteen Brazilian male jiu-jitsu athletes that competed in state-level competition [adults with mean age of 29.07 (± 5.12) years] participated of the study. Two questionnaires were used. The first characterized the athletes, and the second was the Brunel Mood Scale. Mood was evaluated at four points: two-point pre-competition (1 and 2 weeks before competition), post-weighing, and post-competition. Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes presented high vigor, moderate levels of tension, and low levels of depression, anger, fatigue, and mental confusion at these four points. In the competitive period, low levels of depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion and high vigor were observed in the pre-competition period. In the post-competition period, there was an increase in levels of depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion and decreased vigor. Regarding the training and competition periods, there was a significant difference in mood states in tension (p < 0.05), fatigue (p < 0.05), and mental confusion (p < 0.05). Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes presented, on average in the four different periods, high vigor associated with low levels of depression, anger, fatigue, and mental confusion and a moderate level of tension. This mood profile is similar to the Iceberg Profile. It states that competition is a place and moment that exerts influence on the mood states of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes.