Effects of Self-Monitoring Training Logs on Behaviors and Beliefs of Swimmers

Abstract

Investigators examined whether use of personal self-monitoring tools representing traditional “athletic training logs” improved training-related measures. Competitive Canadian intercollegiate swimmers (N = 26; M age = 20.4 years; 10 men, 21 women) were assigned training-related goals and then were randomly assigned to either a log group that self-monitored targeted training behaviors (SM-TB), or a self-monitoring comparison group (SMC) for 26 days. Swimmers’ adherence to training prescriptions was analyzed using repeated measures tests. Results showed no group effects or interactions, however, both groups improved adherence during the first 17 days of the intervention (p < .001). Self-report measures were analyzed using pre- and post-tests. The SM-TB group increased their reported intent to assess attendance during the intervention more than the SMC group (p = .07). Post-test, both the SM-TB and SMC groups reported greater intent to assess adherence (p < .01) and punctuality (p = .06), and higher self-regulatory confidence for punctuality (p = .06).

This research was part of the doctoral dissertation of the first author at McMaster University and was funded by a doctoral fellowship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. The authors wish to thank Diane Mack, Kathleen Martin-Ginis, Diane Gill, and John Salmela for their helpful feedback on earlier drafts of this manuscript.