Athlete burnout and motivational dynamics: a multiple case follow-up study among elite BMX riders

Abstract

Aim of the study: The objective of the current study was to identify the motivational dynamics and the changes in the levels of burnout experienced among elite BMX riders during a competitive season. Methods: Data were collected each week during 32 weeks, among three BMX riders from an elite training structure. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare the means of each training phase two by two for each rider. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated to determine if changes noted between phases were meaningful for the data. Findings: The results of the current study reinforced the hypothesis that burnout is (a) a process that develops over time (Dale & Weinberg, 1990), (b) a multidimensional syndrome (Raedeke & Smith, 2001) and (c) a process with inter-individual differences (Dale & Weinberg, 1990).