Functional Movement And Subjective Well-being Assessments Of Female Track And Field Athletes: Pre- And Post-indoor Season

Abstract

Track and Field (TF) is a sport that includes short- and long-distance running events and field events. Because of these diverse events, TF athletes employ a wide range of energy system demands and specific skills/techniques during performances. PURPOSE: To evaluate functional movements and subjective well-being of NCAA Division I, TF female athletes when measured before and after a 7-week indoor season to identify the benefits and detriments of competing during an indoor season (January to March). METHODS: Participants completed pre- and post-season measures: the Functional Movement Screen (FMS; Cook, 2010), the Y-Balance Test (YBT; Plisky et al., 2009), Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale-Trait (PACES-T; Kendzierski & DeCarlo, 1991), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; Diener et al., 1985). Athletes (N=21 completed all testing; 3 dropped out due to injury; Mean age ± S.D., 20.0 ± 1.4 yrs) were grouped by event: throwers (shot put, weight throw), distance runners, and other competitors (sprinters, hurdlers, and jumpers). For all dependent variables, 3 (Group) by 2 (Time) ANOVAs and Pearson correlations were calculated. RESULTS: Although there were no group differences, athletes’ total FMS scores improved significantly pre- (14.8 ± 2.5) to post-season (15.6 ± 2.2; p = .03). Scores from each pre- to post-season FMS test were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Scores for the Deep Squat (p = .025) and Right Shoulder Mobility (p = .007) improved significantly. However, scores for the Left Hurdle Step (hip flexion and extension; p = .034) decreased over the indoor season. The YBT posteromedial reach distance was significantly greater when pushing with the left leg (p < .05) perhaps reflecting the right-leg dominance for most athletes (83% were right leg dominant). The relatively high scores on PACES-T and SWLS did not change after the season (post-season: 102.5 ± 17.4; 27.1 ± 5.1, respectively). PACES-T was related to SWLS both at pre-season (r = .50) and post-season (r = .60; p’s < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In support of the physiological and psychological benefits of college TF participation, these Division I athletes improved their total FMS scores pre- to post-season. They also reported high exercise enjoyment and satisfaction with life scores despite participating in a demanding indoor, competitive season.