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Study note

Mood, neuromuscular function, and performance during training in female swimmers.

PMID 8776226 (1996): taper — Time-trial performance (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 8776226

Mood, neuromuscular function, and performance during training in female swimmers.

Medicine and science in sports and exercise1996 • DOI 10.1097/00005768-199603000-00013

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: controlled study.
  • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
  • Consistency: single-study evidence.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

The effect of seasonal changes in training load on mood, neuromuscular function, and measures of physical power were examined in 12 collegiate women swimmers. (controlled study; participants).

The abstract suggests a trade-off or negative effect affecting Time-trial performance. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: The effect of seasonal changes in training load on mood, neuromuscular function, and measures of physical power were examined in 12 collegiate women swimmers.
  • The abstract suggests a trade-off or negative effect affecting Time-trial performance.
  • Population: participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 000 m • 300 m.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: taper.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 000 m • 300 m.
  • Outcomes: Time-trial performance.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (participants) working on tapering.
  • Athletes who can measure Time-trial performance with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: controlled study.
  • Population: participants.
  • Outcomes measured: Time-trial performance.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 000 m • 300 m.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 8776226 (1996) — Medicine and science in sports and exercise.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Mood was evaluated with the Profile of Mood States.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Single studies often don’t generalize to your event, history, and training load; treat results as a starting point.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

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Sources