Mental stress decreases short-term recovery?

Can mental stress affect strength recovery?

It is well-established that chronic mental stress is bad for general health. However, is stress also something to you need to manage for optimal recovery in the gym?

This study investigated whether mental stress impacts recovery from heavy resistance exercise. The stress level of the subjects was assessed with a validated questionnaire. Based on these results, the subjects were based in 3 groups with lower, intermediate, or higher stress level.

The exercise protocol first established a subject’s 10 repetition max (10RM; the maximal weight they can lift for 10 reps). After this, they performed 6 sets with as many reps as possible at 80-90% of their 10RM weight. Maximal muscle force was measured just before the training session and 0, 20, 40 and 60 minutes after the training session. 

All groups saw a large reduction in muscular force immediately after the workout. While strength was recovering in all groups, the recovery was greater in the low stress group and lower in the high stress group.

Therefore, managing mental stress is not just important for overall health, but should also be taking into account in a training schedule. 

Study:
Stults-Kolehmainen et al. Psychological stress impairs short-term muscular recovery from resistance exercise. Med Sci Sport Exe, 2012

Go to the next infographic in the stress series:
Mental stress decreases strength gains?