Using a Goal-Setting and Feedback Procedure to Increase Running Distance

Goal-setting procedures have been employed in many different sports, and have been shown to be a beneficial component for enhancing sports performance. For this study, a changing-criterion within multiple-baseline design was used to evaluate a multi-component intervention for increasing running distance for five healthy adults. The intervention consisted of goal setting with performance feedback. Participants set a short-term goal each week and a long-term goal to achieve upon completion of the study. The study incorporated the use of the Nike(TM) + SportKit for automated recording of the distance of each run. Results of the current study demonstrated for all participants that goal setting and performance feedback was an effective method to enhance sports performance for individuals wanting to increase their running distance.