The relationship between perfectionistic cognitions and burnout in rugby league

The relationship between perfectionistic cognitions and athlete burnout in junior elite rugby league players.  

Abstract

The aim of this study was to further develop the body of knowledge in relation to the relationship between the frequency of perfectionistic cognitions and athlete burnout and its dimensions, and to expand on the study by Hill and Appleton (2011). It is the intension to further examine if perfectionistic cognition frequency is beneficial in predicting burnout in young athletes. Ninety-five academy and reserve level rugby league players from 3 English Super League clubs were recruited for the study. A number of the participants had first team playing experience at their respective clubs and also international experience. The sample group were all male- aged 16-20 (Mean=17.914. SD= ±1.21). The participants had played rugby league between 1 and 15 years (Mean=9.1868. SD= ±2.92) and had been at their respective clubs between 0 and 11 years (Mean=3.037. SD= ±2.20). On a 9-point Likert scale (1= not at all important, 9= extremely important) the players reported their perceived importance of rugby in their life, when compared to other activities, as rating between 4 and 9 (Mean=8.3467. SD= ±0.87). The participants completed the multi-section questionnaire that included measures of symptoms related to athlete burnout perfectionistic cognitions prior to their training session. The findings of the study suggest that dimensions of burnout can have a significant relationship with perfectionistic cognitions. Perfectionistic cognitions should therefore be considered when assessing burnout in young athletes, as well as considering interventions that are aimed at reducing perfectionism related burnout. 

This was the study I did for my undergraduate dissertation. Having experience burnout myself and worked with a number of young elite rugby league players I feel it is important for clubs to recognise the danger of player burnout and the effects it can have. Personally I think that its important for conditioning coaches to have a good knowledge of burnout and its symptoms, to recognise when a player may be suffering from burnout or showing signs of perfectionistic cognitions so that something can be done to prevent the detrimental effects of these serious issues.

Any questions on burnout and perfectionistic cognitions and just about the study please feel free to drop me a question on Twitter @JM_Conditioning.

 

Supplement review - BSN NO-Xplode 2.0

Having tried BSN NO-Xplode 2.0 I wanted to give my review of the product.

What does it do?

Muscular Endurance, Strength and Resistance to Muscular Fatigue

Muscle Growth

Mental Alertness and Focus

Nitric Oxide Production, Muscle Fullness, Pumps and Vascularity

Anaerobic Working Capacity of Muscle Tissue

Oxygen Delivery to Muscle Tissue

Fat-Burning

Promotion of Electrolyte and Fluid Balance


What's in it? 

Calories: 25

Total Carbohydrate: 6 g
Sugars: 0 g

Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine HCL): 20 mg

Folate (Folic Acid): 300 mcg

Vitamin B12 (As Cyanocobalamin): 120 mcg

Calcium: 75 mg

Phosphorus: 200 mg

Magnesium: 60 mg

Sodium: 300 mg

Potassium: 75 mg

N.O.-Xplode's PROPRIETARY BLEND: 19.6 g

Advanced Strength & Performance Matrix: Modified Glucose Polymers (Maltodextrin), Beta-Alanine (CarnoSyn®), Di-Creatine-Malic Acid Interfusion, Betaine HCL, Sodium Bicarbonate, Creatine-Sodium Phosphate Matrix, Creatinol-O-Phosphate-Malic Acid Interfusion, Glycocyamine, Creatine Ethyl Ester HCL, Guanidino Propionic Acid, Cinnamon Extract (Bark) (Cinnulin PF®), Ketoisocaproate Potassium, Creatine-Alpha-Aminobutyric Acid Matrix (Creatine AAB™)

Ener-Tropic Xplosion: L-Tyrosine, Taurine, Glucuronolactone, Methylxanthine (Caffeine), L-Tyrosine-Alpha Ketoglutaric Acid, MCT's (Medium Chain Triglycerides), Lesser Periwinkle (95% Vinpocetine, 98% Vincamine, 98% Vinburnine [Whole Plant])

N.O. Meta-Fusion: L-Arginine-Alpha Ketoglutaric Acid, L-Citrulline-Malic Acid Interfusion, L-Citrulline-Alpha Ketoglutaric Acid, L-Histidine-Alpha Ketoglutaric Acid, NAD (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide), Gynostemma (90% Gypenosides) (Leaves & Stem)

Phospho-Electrolyte Composite: Di-Calcium Phosphate, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Di-Sodium Phosphate

Glycerol Polymer Complex: Potassium Glycerophosphate, Magnesium Glycerophosphate, Glycerol Stearate

Right so after all that jargon it basically comes down to; theres lots of caffeine in it, plenty of vitamins and the lovely Beta-Alanine. Contrary to what it says on the tin it doesn't help grow muscle (proteins and amino acids do that job) and it doesn't exactly burn fat. You can train harder for longer and that causes those two changes to happen.

It does the usual jobs you expect from a pre work out and it does that well. Personally I definitely felt more switched on and focused, it increased my endurance and reduced the effect of on set muscle fatigue. I can say I felt a good pump from this pre workout and noticed increased vascularity. You can really feel the Beta-Alanine kick in which I liked.

I got my tub for £34.75 which I think is a good price for a 50 serving tub from Dolphin Fitness. Direct Link - http://www.dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/bsn-no-xplode-2-advanced-strength-1130g/27582

I got the lemonade flavour and it tastes pretty good, but if the blue raspberry Amino-X is anything to go by I'd 100% get that flavour next time.

I'd give this product an 8/10

It did what I wanted to use it for and I can say the performance of the product was very good and solid. I wasn't quite sure about the powder:water ratio on the guide, I tended to use a lot less water personally. Having not had that many pre workout supplements in my time I cant really give a well rounded judgement of this product but I think it sets the bar pretty high for many other pre workouts just due to how effective it was.

If you want to splash out a bit more money I'd always suggest Grenade 50. calibre. I had a sample pack of it once and it blew my face off!