Correlation between motivational regulations and recovery states in athletes of individual sports

Introduction: Recovery is the time-dependent psychophysiological process through which the body restores its functional capacity after training. Objective: The aim was to verify the correlation between the dimensions of motivational regulation and perceived states of recovery and stress. Methodology: Triathlon and martial arts athletes (N=41) were asked to complete the Sports Motivation Scale and the Recovery and Stress Questionnaire for Athletes. The results allow us to ponder that the motivational dimensions may be moderately related (r>0.3; r<0.8) in different ways with the states of recovery. Results: Demotivation levels correlated positively (p<0.05) with “general stress”, “emotional stress”, “social stress”, “lack of energy”, “somatic complaints” and “emotional exhaustion” subscales, whereas inversely correlated (p<0.05) with “success”, “general well-being”, “sleep quality”, “being in shape” and “self-efficacy”. The self-determination index was associated (p<0.05) with “general well-being” and “self-efficacy”. The subscale “being in shape” were associated (p<0.05) with intrinsic motivational dimensions. The subscale “personal acceptance” were associated with dimensions of introjection (p<0.05) and identification. Finally, the dimensions of identification was also associated (p<0.05) with “social stress” and “fatigue” subscales. Discussion: Improving the understanding of this theme, the results obtained in this study indicate that these relationships between motivation and recovery may vary, depending on the dimension of the motivation evaluated. Conclusions: It is concluded that, while levels of impersonal orientation are associated with states of stress and deficits in recovery, self-determined behaviours are associated with the occurrence of positive psychological states that can benefit the recovery process.