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

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.116868

Keywords:

martial arts, motivation, Recovery, Triathlon, Self – determination theory

Abstract

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.

Author Biographies

  • Luiz Gustavo Pinto, São Judas Tadeu University

    Holds a full teaching degree (Licenciatura Plena) and a bachelor's degree in Physical Education. Specialization in Cardiology. Master's degree in Sciences with a concentration in Human Movement Biodynamics from the School of Physical Education and Sports at the University of São Paulo. Currently pursuing a PhD at São Judas Tadeu University in the area of Training Physiology, and is the owner and instructor at SOLLUS Functional Training and Pilates. Also works at FMU as a guest lecturer, teaching in the postgraduate program.

  • Giuliano Pablo Almeida Mendonça, São Judas Tadeu University

    PhD candidate in Physical Education at São Judas Tadeu University – USJT (since 2019). Master’s degree in Physical Education from USJT-SP (2013). Holds a full teaching degree (Licenciatura Plena) in Physical Education from the State University of Southwest Bahia (2004). Physical Education teacher at CEEP Pio XII and Escola Vicenzo Gasbarre. Lecturer in the course “Foundations and Methodology of School Physical Education” – PARFOR/Pedagogy, in Jaguaquara, Bahia. Has experience in the field of Physical Education, with emphasis on School Physical Education.

  • Luiz Fernando Santos Tross, São Judas Tadeu University

    Master's degree in Physical Education from São Judas Tadeu University (2018). MBA in Strategic Business Management from Uniderp/Anhanguera College (2020). Postgraduate specialization in Exercise Physiology and Resistance Training: in health, disease, and aging, from IBEP-CECAFI-USP (2008). Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the University of Taubaté (2006). 

  • Célio Roberto Santos de Souza, São Judas Tadeu University

    Professor at the Federal University of Amapá. Holds a degree in Physical Education from the State University of Pará (2002), a specialization in Sport and Exercise Physiology from the International Faculty of Curitiba (2004), a Master’s degree in Human Movement Science from Castelo Branco University, Rio de Janeiro (2010), and a PhD in Physical Education from São Judas Tadeu University, São Paulo (2022). Member of the Research Laboratory on Motivation and Human Development – USJT.

  • Aylton José Figueira Júnior, São Judas Tadeu University

    Graduated in Physical Education from the School of Physical Education of São Caetano do Sul (1985–1988). Specialist in Sports Sciences from the São Caetano do Sul Physical Fitness Laboratory – São Paulo, Brazil (CELAFISCS). Postgraduate studies in Sports Sciences at the School of Physical Education of São Caetano do Sul (1989–1990). Postgraduate studies in Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry at the Manuel Fajardo Institute of Sports Medicine – Havana, Cuba (1991). Faculty member in the undergraduate programs in Medicine and Physical Education at UNINOVE and São Judas Tadeu University (USJT).

    Member of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM since 2003), the Global Network of Physical Activity and Environment (since 2011), the Japanese Society of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, the Sedentary Behavior Research Network (since 2024), and the European College of Sport Science (since 2011). Associate Professor in the Master's and Doctoral Program at São Judas Tadeu University (USJT) since 2009. Visiting professor in the Master's Program in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Universidad Mayor – Chile. Ad hoc consultant for CNPq and FAPESP (Brazilian research funding agencies).

    Advisor to the State Education Council of São Paulo (since 2009). Winner of the Sports Literature Award in 2016 granted by the Brazilian College of Sports Sciences. Recipient of the Medal of Merit in Physical Education awarded by the Regional Council of Physical Education (2017) and of the Medal of the Order of Physical Education of the State of São Paulo (2022). Author of 22 books and 35 book chapters in the fields of sports, training, and physical activity and health. Holds professional certifications validated by the Government of the United States of America. Delegate of the Regional Council of Physical Education – CREF4-SP.

  • Marcelo Callegari Zanetti, Sao Judas Tadeu University

    Holds a full teaching degree (Licenciatura Plena) in Physical Education from FFCL of São José do Rio Pardo (2002), a Master’s degree in Human Movement Sciences from UNESP, Rio Claro campus (2007), and a PhD in Human Development and Technologies (2013) from the same university. Completed a doctoral internship with a PDSE/CAPES scholarship at the Department of Psychology (Laboratory of Psychometric and Experimental Methods / Research Group in Applied Psychometric Methods in Sport Psychology) of the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada).

    Holds specializations in Educational Technologies and Distance Learning (UNICID-SP), in Innovation and Educational Trends (Ânima Institute / USJT), in Data Science and Health Informatics (USJT) (2022–2023), in Digital Teaching (USJT and Google for Education) (2023–2024), and in Teaching Innovation from Harvard Business Publishing (2023–2024). MBA in Club Management (USCS) (2020–2022). Football Manager (CBF Academy) (2020–2021) and Football Executive (CBF Academy) (2021–2022). Currently pursuing a specialization in Academic Futures and Integrated Curricula (UAM-SP) (2025).

    Currently a Full Professor in the undergraduate programs in Physical Education, Nutrition, Psychology, and Nursing at UNIP, São José do Rio Pardo campus. Also teaches in the undergraduate program and in the Graduate Program (Master’s and PhD) in Physical Education at São Judas Tadeu University (SP). Researcher at the Ânima Sociesc Institute for Research, Innovation, and Culture. Leader of the Laboratory of Motivation and Human Development Research (LPMDH/USJT).

    Professor in the Specialization Program in Sports Training at FMU – SP. Completed the Empowering Coaching training course at the Sports Psychology Research Unit of the University of Valencia, Spain. Member of the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP), the Brazilian Association for Studies in Sport and Exercise Psychology (ABEPEEx), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Brazilian Association for Sport Management (Abragesp). Certified in the Continuing Education Program of the International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP).

    Founding President of SerMotivado (MCZ Consulting and Professional Development Training) (since 2021). Former President of Rio Pardo Football Club (Terms: 2015–2018 / 2019–2022).

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Published

15-09-2025

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Vol. 72 (2025)

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Original Research Article

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Copyright (c) 2025 Helton Magalhães Dias, Luiz Gustavo Pinto, Giuliano Pablo Almeida Mendonça, Luiz Fernando Santos Tross, Célio Roberto Santos de Souza, Aylton José Figueira Júnior, Marcelo Callegari Zanetti

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How to Cite

Magalhães Dias, H., Pinto, L. G., Almeida Mendonça, G. P., Santos Tross, L. F., Santos de Souza, C. R., Figueira Júnior, A. J., & Callegari Zanetti, M. (2025). Correlation between motivational regulations and recovery states in athletes of individual sports. Retos, 72, 172-186. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.116868