The purpose of this study is to clarify how effective Autogenic Training (AT) is in providing psychological support during weight loss. 27 male university judo players participated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, from psychological and physiological indicators, we determined the practice effectiveness of AT. In Experiment 2, we compared AT’s clinical efficacy to psychological conditions during a short period of weight loss before a bout. As a result of Experiment 1, psychologically emotional improvements were observed, and physiologically participants progressed from a sympathetic dominant state to a parasympathetic dominant state. Thus, AT led the subjects to relaxation states psychologically and physiologically. Also, Experiment 2 revealed that AT elevates “Coach acceptance” according to the Sports Motivation Inventory (SMI) and “psychological state during competition” according to the Diagnostic Inventory of Psychological State During Competition (DIPS-D.2). Furthermore, experiment 2 showed a tendency to control “displeasure” according to the Stress Response Scale (SRS-18), indicating a possibility of reducing the psychological burden caused by weight loss.
As a result of this study of the psychological support using AT at the time of weight loss, the displeasure before a competition and the degradation of coaching contents were alleviated, and the psychological state during a competition was improved. Therefore it was revealed that AT is effective as a supporting method to enable a good psychological condition.
