Effects of a Playoff Match on Competitive Anxiety and Autonomic Regulation in Professional esports Players

Recent evidence suggests that student-athletes may experience greater levels of stress or anxiety due to the dual demands of athletics and academics placed on them. In today’s MASUM (Sport between Universities) competitive sports, a lot of pressure is placed on collegiate athletes to perform the excellence level. Sports psychologists have long believed that high levels of anxiety during competition are harmful, worsening performance and even leading to dropout. Anxiety consists of two subcomponents, cognitive and somatic anxiety, which influence performance. The cognitive is the mental component, which is characterized by negative expectations about success or self-evaluation, negative self-talk, worries about performance, images of failure, inability to concentrate, and disrupted attention. While, the somatic is the physiological element, which is related to autonomic arousals. The main purpose of this study was to examine the levels of anxiety of somatic and cognitive, before and during competition among student-athletes. The participants of this study were recruited from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP). The instrument used for the study comprised of a 27-item Competitive State Anxiety Inventory–2, which had been distributed during MASUM (Sport between Universities) competition to the student-athletes. The participants of this study were recruited from Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP). The sample consisted of 112 athletes, with national athletes (N=21), state athletes (N=33), district athletes (N=23), and university athletes (N= 35). The results showed that elite or national athletes exhibited lower levels of somatic and cognitive anxiety than non-elite athletes. The result also showed that the exits of negative correlation between cognitive anxiety and sport performance, and somatic anxiety and sport performance. Sport psychologists, sport counselors and coaches should use the present findings to recommend coping strategies to university and district level athletes that are appropriate for dealing with their athletes’ cognitive and somatic anxiety.

This study examined state and trait anxiety in lifesavers and swimmers. They completed the SAS and the CSAI-2d before a training and the CSAI-2d again before a competition. Lifesavers were found to have lower levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety than competitive swimmers. Both groups were found to have lower levels of self-confidence but higher levels of somatic anxiety before a competition in comparison to regular training sessions. Lifesavers found their levels of somatic anxiety to be more facilitative than the swimmers did. Both groups perceived that higher levels of self-confidence to be more facilitative before competition than before training. Difference in the relationship between state and trait anxiety for swimmers and lifesavers were observed. The generally lower levels of cognitive and somatic state anxiety in lifesavers and their interpretation of somatic anxiety during competition would benefit their performance and decision making.

The main purpose of this study was to examine the levels of anxiety of somatic and cognitive among student-athletes. The participants of this study were recruited from University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The instrument used for the study comprised of a 27-item Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and Sport Performance Questionnaire (SPQ), which had been distributed during MASUM (sport between Universities) competition to the student-athletes. The participants of this study were recruited from University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The sample consisted of 106 athletes, with national athletes (N = 33), state athletes (N = 35), university athletes (N = 21), and district athletes (N = 17). The results showed that elite or national athletes exhibited lower levels of somatic and cognitive anxiety than non-elite athletes. The result also showed that there exits negative correlation between cognitive anxiety and sport performance, and somatic anxiety and sport performance. Sport psychologists, sport counselors, and coaches should use the present findings to recommend coping strategies to university- and district-level athletes that are appropriate for dealing with their athletes’ cognitive and somatic anxiety.

ObjectivesStroke survivors experience the loss of muscle mass and muscle atrophy changes on the paretic lower limbs as well as the non-paretic side. Traditional stroke rehabilitation intervention concerned whether the...

Introduction: The gymnastic disciplines abound in difficult and risky technical elements. Excessive anxiety is a factor which can have a destructive effect on the athlete both at the stage of motor learning, as well as when performing during competitions. Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but whether it has positive or negative influence on an individual’s performance clearly depends upon its level. Aim of the study: The study aimed to determine the level of anxiety (as state, cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety) among male and female gymnasts in situations before starting competitions and before training when mastering new, difficult elements. The following research questions were formulated: • Does the level of anxiety in the participants during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of somatic anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • Does the level of cognitive anxiety in the gymnasts during learning new elements differ from the level of anxiety before starting to compete? • What is the level of trait anxiety characteristic of the participating gymnasts? Material and method: Twenty eight people were assessed (14 women and 14 men) who professionally practice gymnastic disciplines. The average age of respondents was 18 years. All subjects were competing at championship level and had been practicing their sport for a minimum of 10 years. The Spielberger’s self-evaluation questionnaire (State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and the Smith’s, Smoll’s, Schutz’s Reaction to Competing Questionnaire (The Sport Anxiety Scale, SAS), as adapted to Polish by Krawczyński, were used in the research. Results: By adopting the criterion of statistical difference p  0.05 it was proven that there are statistically significant differences between the level of anxiety before training and before competition: state anxiety (p=0.033), somatic anxiety (p=0.004), and cognitive anxiety – attentions disorders (p=0.011). When analysing the average values of the participants, it was noted that they are characterised by an average trait anxiety level. Conclusion: The participating athletes who train in gymnastic disciplines are characterised by an average level of trait anxiety. The gymnasts experience stronger anxiety before competition than during a demanding training session.

Working in the discipline of eventing (the triathlon of equestrian sport), the present study aims to extend current literature on the use of psychological skills within equestrian sports, by understanding and identifying differences in levels of self-confidence and competitive anxiety. Each eventing phase (dressage, show-jumping and cross-country) was considered and its impact on anxiety and self-confidence analysed. Level of competition was considered a covariate and its effect on specific eventing phases and any associated influence on anxiety and self-confidence within eventing phase was analysed. An experimental, 3×3 factorial, within-subjects design was used. 57 participants (52 female and 5 male; 18 professional, 36 amateur and 3 undefined) completed the Revised Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory 2 (CSAI-2R), a 17-item questionnaire measuring anxiety and self-confidence. Descriptive statistics identified the show-jumping phase had the largest impact on rider somatic anxiety (SA) and cognitive anxiety (CA). The cross-country phase had the highest self-confidence mean score. Spearman’s rank correlations showed both SA and CA were debilitative for all competition levels. Both SA and CA were found to be more debilitating in the show-jumping phase when self-confidence was low. MANCOVA analysis showed that eventing phase had significant effect on anxiety and self-confidence when controlling for level of competition. Dependent on the eventing phase riders are competing in, they experience different levels of arousal and self-confidence. When SA and CA are a debilitative source of anxiety, this could result in rider muscle tension which is not conducive to effective horse-rider communication. Coaches or sports psychologists should consider how to help riders manage their anxiety levels in relation to the competition phase, with the intention of enhancing self-confidence and enabling facilitative SA and CA in preparation for eventing performance.

Effects of external periodic perturbations on short-term heart rate variability in healthy subjects and ischemic heart disease patients

Research into other sports has shown that excessive levels of anxiety can undermine motor function during performance. This study aims to investigate the effects of anxiety and self-confidence on equestrian performance. Forty riders (12 male, 28 female; 15 elite, 25 non-elite; 12 dressage, 17 showjumping, 11 eventing) completed the Revised Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory 2 (CSAI-2R), which measures the levels of somatic and cognitive anxiety (arousal) as well as levels of self-confidence. Two-way between-subjects MANOVA tests were used to examine competence-by-discipline interactions and gender-by-discipline interactions in CSAI-2R scores. Post hoc analysis was conducted using one-way univariate ANOVA tests. Spearman's rank correlation tests were conducted between each of the CSAI-2R subscales according to competence, discipline and gender. Most important findings include lower somatic arousal and higher self-confidence in elite compared with non-elite riders, with 15.2 ± 4.4 vs. 19.0 ± 5.0, F1,34 = 5.8, P < 0.05; 31.5 ± 4.8 vs. 25.1 ± 7.4, P < 0.01, respectively. Negative correlations between cognitive arousal and self-confidence were found among elite riders, non-elite riders, showjumpers and female riders (r = − 0.69, P < 0.005; r = − 0.41, P < 0.05; r = − 0.52, P < 0.05; r = − 0.33, P < 0.05). Greater riding-specific skills in the elite rider may result in increased self-confidence. Lower levels of somatic anxiety may further increase fine motor skills in elite riders. Practical implications are that non-elite riders would benefit from sport psychological interventions increasing levels of self-confidence and reducing symptoms of somatic arousal to improve performance.

BackgroundPersistence of pain syndrome is accompanied by emotional changes and contributes to the formation of anxiety disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Models of training patients with RA are...

The article examines the relationship between levels of self-confidence and anxiety among young football players in the context of high-achieving sports. The purpose of the work was to determine the levels of self-confidence and anxiety in sports competitions, as well as to reveal the relationships between these indicators. 18 football players, aged 16-17, who trained at the DYSSH-15 base in Kyiv, took part in the study. The Illinois Self Evaluation Questionnaire was used to assess psychological and physiological anxiety, and the Sports Competition Anxiety Test was used to assess anxiety in sports competitions. The results showed that a high level of psychological anxiety was found in 22.2% of athletes, while a high level of physiological anxiety was absent. The greatest discrepancy was observed at a low level of anxiety: 27.8% of athletes have a low level of psychological anxiety, and 72.2% have a low level of physiological anxiety. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between psychological and physiological anxiety (0.68) and a significant positive relationship between physiological anxiety and competition anxiety (0.60). The largest negative correlation was found between physiological anxiety and self-confidence (-0.31). Overall, the results highlight the importance of developing psychological support strategies to reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence among young athletes.

The aim of the study was to measure the level of anxiety and self-confidence before and after competitions in artistic gymnastics. The participant was 46 gymnasts aged 15 to 27, 14 female and 32 male. Results indicate no differences in average with comparing analysis of the level of cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence, between the first measure realized 30 minutes before the competition and second measure, realized when the gymnasts were fully relaxed. For realization of the study was used formal questionnaires to collect needed data through the questionnaire (CSAI-2R; Cox et al., 2003) and other general data which was considered important for research. In order to analyze results was used concluding analyses which show significant differences between male and female on the self-confidence, where male demonstrate higher level of confidence while female have demonstrated lower level of self-confidence. While, as regards somatic and cognitive anxiety there were no significant statistic differences found in relation to gender. Based on the regressive analyze it appears that predicting factor in the case of somatic anxiety is cognitive anxiety. The intensity of cognitive anxiety causes somatic anxiety with the value β = .632, p=.000. Anxiety and self-confidence appear to be very important factors in achieving the top results, as they also have an impact on each-other and also express their impact depending of specifics and peculiarities of gymnasts. Article visualizations:

Background: Precompetitive anxiety refers to an indistinct but unrelenting feeling of uneasiness and dread in hours prior to the competition. Precompetitive anxiety has been shown to affect an athlete at various levels including match performance, sporting injuries, rehabilitation of sports injuries, return to activity and risk or re-injury. It has become a common practice to differentiate between the two common forms of anxiety. Therefore, the purpose of current study was to assess precompetitive anxiety in footballers of Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross section survey was conducted on 58 male footballers aged between 18-26 years. The data was collected from Pakistan football federation club and Fame football club. Total 34 footballers were assessed at the Pakistan football federation club and 24 at the Fame football club. The sampling strategy utilized was non-probability convenience sampling. The study was conducted over a period of 6 months from July 2018 to January 2019. Competitive state anxiety inventory was used to assess precompetitive anxiety 1 hour preceding the competition. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21and results were presented in the form of frequency and percentages. Results: Out of 58 participating footballers, 44.8% (n=26) reported moderate levels of somatic state anxiety, 72.4% (n=42) reported moderate levels of cognitive state anxiety and 48.3% (n=28) reported moderate levels of self-confidence. Conclusion: The study concluded that moderate to low levels of somatic state anxiety, moderate levels of cognitive state anxiety and moderate to high levels of self-confidence were present in majority of participating footballers.

Relationship Between Pre-Competition Anxiety and Self-Efficacy Among Female Athletes of LCWU

Objectives This study aimed to compare the effects of imagery training and mindfulness meditation training on competitive anxiety and heart rate variability in university athletes in Chiangrai, Thailand. Methods 30 university athletes were randomly allocated into three groups: imagery training group, mindfulness meditation training group and control group. The participants in the training group were assigned to attend imagery or mindfulness meditation training for 30 min, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The control group participants received a brochure containing relaxation techniques for stress reduction. Before, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks, the heart rate variability was assessed, and a Thai version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R), including somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, and self-confidence subscale, was completed by the participants. We performed two-way repeated measure ANOVA tests to determine the interaction effect of group by time. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, and Bonferroni-correction post hoc tests was used for multiple comparisons. Results The results revealed that a significant group-time interaction effect of cognitive state anxiety was found in the mindfulness meditation group (p<0.05). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni-correction adjustment revealed that the cognitive state anxiety in the mindfulness meditation group significantly decreased after 8 weeks of training. Additionally, after 8 weeks of training, the cognitive state anxiety in the mindfulness meditation group was significantly lower than that in the control group. However, there was no significant group-time interaction for somatic state anxiety, self-confidence, or heart rate variability after training. Additionally, both mindfulness meditation and imagery groups showed trends to improve HRV, self-confidence, and decrease somatic state anxiety. Conclusions In conclusion, the results obtained here clearly show that the university athletes benefit from 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation training, which reduces cognitive state anxiety.

Aim of the research: To investigate the level of anxiety in adult patients with myasthenia.Materials and methods. An in-depth clinical-neurological, immunological (detection of antibodies to acetylcholine and / or muscle-specific tyrosine kinase receptors) examination, testing according to MGQoL-15 scale, and Spielberg-Khanin anxiety scale of 96 patients (56 women and 40 men) with myasthenia (71 - with generalized, 25 - with an ophthalmologic form, respectively) were done.Results. Antibodies to acetylcholine receptors were detected in 57 (80.3 %) of 71 patients with generalized form and in 13 (52 %) of 25 patients with ophthalmic myasthenia, antibodies to muscle-specific tyrosine kinase in 6 (8.5 %) of 71 patients with generalized form. In the case of an ophthalmic form, these antibodies were not detected. In 8 (11.3 %) out of 71 patients with generalized myasthenia and in 12 (48.0 %) out of 25 patients with ophthalmic form of myasthenia antibodies to acetylcholine receptors and muscle-specific tyrosine kinase were not detected.When the MGQoL-15 scale was used, the average quality of life was 10.34 ± 9.4 points (ranging from 0 to 31).In assessing of situational anxiety, a moderate level of anxiety was detected in 44 patients, high – in 24 patients, while the low level of anxiety had 28 people. Patients with an ophthalmic form of myasthenia (class I by MGFA) are significantly more likely to have a low level of anxiety (p <0.05). The moderate level of situational anxiety was significantly more frequently recorded in patients with myasthenia class III by MGFA (moderate form), and high level - in patients with myasthenia class IV by MGFA (expressed form). In patients with a low level of situational anxiety, the average duration of the disease was significantly lower (p <0.05).When comparing the quality of life in patients with myasthenia with the MGQoL-15 scale and the level of situational anxiety with the Spielberg-Khanin scale, there was a significant negative impact of increased anxiety on quality of life (r = -0.24, p = 0.01)Conclusions. The quality of life of patients with myasthenia and the level of anxiety disorders do not depend on the immunological subtype of the disease. The quality of life of patients with myasthenia is largely dependent on the degree of clinical manifestations of the disease. The increased level of situational anxiety reliably reduces the quality of life