Well-being Of Athletes Research Articles

Ab. No. 46 Impact of Sports Injury on Mental Wellbeing of University Level Athletes

Introduction: Sports injury is an injury that occurs during athletic activities or physical exertion. Exceptional level of effort and striving for perfection close to psychological limits increases the possibility of sports injury. A sports injury can take a toll on an athlete’s emotional wellbeing. Athletes respond to injuries in very different ways, exhibiting a wide range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses. Therefore, it is crucial to understand those responses to examine the symptoms of common mental disorders and general psychological stress depending upon the severity of injury among athletes. The study aims to investigate symptoms of common mental disorders and psychological stress about the severity of injury among athletes. Methods: A total of 100 male and female athletes were selected from Punjabi University, Patiala. The study population included athletes from 18-28 years of age. All subjects were evaluated through Likert scale, Depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21) and Perceived stress scale (PSS). Result: Overall, majority of athletes were experiencing symptoms of at least one of the mental-health problem assessed. Injured athletes had higher level of symptoms of anxiety, depression (r = 0.823, p = 0.00) and perceived stress (r = 0.776, p = 0.001) compared with Likert scale as analyzed via Pearson’s Correlation. Conclusion: The results indicated that athletic injury negatively impacts the mental wellbeing of athletes.

Exploring Elite Athlete Experiences of Growth: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Well-Being

The aim of the current study was to explore elite athletes’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on both growth and well-being. Informed by two complementary theoretical models, this research focused on elite athletes’ potential to experience growth. Five elite athletes completed the Stress-Related Growth Scale–Revised and underwent semistructured interviews to develop a narrative of their experiences. Through a thematic analysis, we articulated elite athletes’ experiences of both illusory and real adversarial growth following the COVID-19 pandemic. Four themes illustrated their experiences: the COVID-19 experience, searching for positives, self-transformation, and the social impact. A fifth theme, well-being, was integral throughout, involving the continued protection and development of athlete well-being. Future research recommendations and implications include further exploration of adversarial growth experiences after the pandemic and long-term effects of the pandemic on elite athletes, the creation of an adversarial growth measure, and engagement with this research to inform support measures to decrease the impact of adversity on elite athletes’ well-being.

Impact of sports activities on happiness and mental well-being of tribal-student athletes and non-athletes: A comparative analysis

Impact of sports activities on happiness and mental well-being of tribal-student athletes and non-athletes: A comparative analysis

Could there be a Relationship between early Specialization and Load Management Practices in Professional Athletes

This article explores the relationship between early sports specialization and load management, with a focus on youth sports. Emphasizing recommendations for diversified early sports engagement, the authors address challenges in implementing load management practices, potentially impacting the well-being of young athletes. The historical evolution of load management and its myths are discussed, extending the analysis to early sports specialization, outlining its risks, and debunking myths and common misconceptions. The connection between early specialization and load management is discussed, highlighting the need for tailored strategies for young athletes undergoing intense, year-round training. The authors propose solutions, advocating for education, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making at both youth and professional levels. In conclusion, the article urges health professionals to play a pivotal role in fostering healthier, sustainable athletic environments for athletes of all ages and performance levels.

Menstrual cycle tracking in professional volleyball athletes.

The menstrual cycle may affect well-being and physical performance of elite female athletes by interfering with the function of multiple physiological systems. The aim of this study was to characterize the symptoms of the menstrual cycle and their frequency in elite female volleyball players. Twenty professional female volleyball players were instructed to track their menstrual symptoms over the course of the first German national league season using the FitrWoman® tracking app. The app recorded the cycle length, duration, and intensity of the period as well as the occurrence and frequency of frequent cycle symptoms. The reported symptoms were then categorized into four categories (frequently, sometimes, rare, never) in order to create an individual Menstrual Symptom index (MSi) for each athlete. The most frequently occurring symptoms among all players without hormonal contraception (non-HC; n = 15) were "stomach cramps" (n = 15), "sleep disturbances" (n = 11), and "tiredness" (n = 11). The average number of symptoms counted per cycle was 11.8 (±17.7) and the average calculated MSi within the team was 12.9 (±10.7) points for non-HC users. The HC players (n = 4) also regularly experienced symptoms such as "sleep disturbances" or "tendered breasts". The most common symptoms "stomach cramps" and "disturbed sleep" occurred more frequently during menstruation, while symptoms such as "bloating", "cravings" or "tendered breasts" did also peak before menstruation. Menstrual cycle symptoms can be highly individual within a professional sports team. The calculation of the MSi seems to be a simple and accessible method to describe and overview the intensity and prevalence of symptoms in top female athletes in sports games.

The Prevalence of Mental Ill Health in Elite Counter-Strike Athletes

The present study provides a unique contribution to the literature by offering the first study to examine the prevalence of mental ill health and mental well-being of professional Counter-Strike athletes. The sample consisted of 51 current Counter-Strike professionals (Mage = 23.22, SD = 4.7 years; male = 48, female = 3) representing 17.1% of all registered Counter-Strike professionals. An online questionnaire was administered via Qualtrics. We found that one quarter of our sample reported moderately severe (15.7%) and severe (9.8%) symptoms of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, over three quarters (82.4%) reported symptoms of anxiety/depression using the General Health Questionnaire—short form-12, over half (54.9%) reported psychological distress using the distress screener, and nearly three quarters (72.5%) reported low mental well-being using the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Our findings suggest that greater importance should be placed on screening and intervention support by both performance and clinical practitioners to facilitate mental health within the esports ecosystem.

Competitive Anxiety and Mood States in High-Performance Cuban Student Athletes

Background. The study of competitive anxiety and its relationship with mood states in high-performance athletes is relevant for predicting performance and enabling timely interventions to ensure successful outcomes in competitions. Due to the complex psychological demands arising from dual careers, the study of competitive anxiety and mood states contributes valuable insights into the emotional well-being of these student athletes. Objective. To examine and describe competitive anxiety and mood states in a sample of high-performance Cuban university athletes across different sports and genders. Design. A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted involving 46 Cuban student athletes from national teams across 16 sports and included both male and female athletes, with an average chronological age of 20.70 years and 6.98 years of experience in a high-performance sport. The Competitive Sport Anxiety Inventory and Brunel Mood Scale were administered in their Spanish versions. The data were examined using descriptive statistics analysis including the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results. Although no statistically significant differences were found in competitive anxiety and mood states in relation to gender and type of sport, female athletes tend to present higher mean scores in competitive anxiety and negative mood states. Additionally, female athletes in team sports experienced slightly more intense emotions. Anxiety shows positive correlations with tension, depression, and vigour, suggesting its influence on certain mood states. Conclusion. The results indicate that, in general, the intensity of certain moods in Cuban university student athletes is influenced by levels of competitive anxiety. An increase in anxiety during competition can lead to heightened tension, depression, and vigour, with no significant differences observed between female and male athletes or based on the type of sport practiced.

Takes Two to Tango: Digital Twins and AI Revolutionize Sports Science and Medicine

Purpose: Technological advancements are transforming the field of sports science and medicine, leading to a new era of performance improvement and injury prevention. Digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI) are at the forefront of these innovations, working together to redefine athletic training and monitoring. This editorial offers a comprehensive overview of the integration of digital twins and AI in sports science, with a focus on their potential applications, challenges, and future developments. By utilizing sensor data, AI algorithms, and biometrics, digital twins create virtual replicas of athletes, enabling precise performance monitoring and personalized training programs. Conclusions: Large datasets generated by AI can be used to predict and prevent injuries, as well as to enhance communication among stakeholders. Despite the promises, challenges such as privacy concerns and data accuracy need to be addressed. Future advancements will concentrate on sensor accuracy, AI algorithm refinement, and broader applications. The editorial highlights exciting research opportunities, including predictive injury models, real-time performance monitoring, and longitudinal health studies. Ultimately, the collaboration between digital twins and AI represents a paradigm shift in sports science, with the potential to revolutionize athlete well-being and performance optimization.

What Do High-Performance Football Coaches Need to Know About the Coach–Athlete Relationship? Implications for Formal Coach Education

A high-quality coach–athlete (C–A) relationship improves athlete well-being and performance but has been underrepresented in formal coach education. Eleven football coaches, working in some of the highest profile positions in England, were interviewed. We investigate to what extent their formal coach education experiences influenced their understanding of the C–A relationship. We explore their perceptions of the knowledge, relating to the C–A relationship, that could be included in formal coach education courses. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 coaches. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis generated the following five themes: (a) an incongruence between the importance of the C–A relationship and its prominence in coach education, (b) interpersonal competencies and a progressive approach to the C–A relationship, (c) understand the unique needs of high-performance athletes, and (d) build a culture conducive to high-quality C–A relationships. Findings demonstrate the C–A relationship is underrepresented in the main English FA Coaching Pathway and provides insights into the knowledge that could be incorporated into courses to meet the needs of coaches. Future research should explore the athlete’s perspective, relating to the knowledge coaches require to develop high-quality C–A relationships within high-performance football settings.

Sudden Cardiac Death in Adolescent Athletes and the Role of Genetic Screening : A Literature Review

Sudden death, particularly among seemingly healthy individuals, presents a critical challenge in both medical and athletic communities. This literature review investigates sudden cardiac death (SCD) in adolescent athletes, emphasizing the role of genetic screening. Utilizing various studies from 2019 to 2024, the review highlights that SCD, while rare, often stems from cardiovascular issues such as cardiomyopathy and coronary artery anomalies. Pre-participation screening, including ECGs, is crucial in identifying at-risk individuals, yet raises ethical debates regarding athlete disqualification. Genetic factors play a significant role, with inherited heart conditions frequently implicated in SCD cases. Comprehensive genetic screening and family evaluations are vital, although widespread implementation is hindered by limited positive outcomes and potential psychosocial effects. Epidemiological studies reveal a higher incidence of SCD during competitive sports, underscoring the need for tailored prevention strategies. Findings emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in enhancing screening methods, risk assessment, and preventive interventions to mitigate sudden mortality in young athletes. The study concludes that lifestyle modifications, promoted by health organizations, and advancements in genetic diagnosis are essential in improving the health and safety of athletes. Efforts to integrate cardiovascular and genetic screening into clinical and athletic practice are paramount, aiming to reduce the incidence of SCD and enhance the well-being of young athletes globally.

A Single-Case Study Examining the Impact of Psychological Skills Training on a Student Baseball Player

This single-case study explored the impact of eight sessions of psychological skills training to improve the performance of a student basketball player struggling with high negative emotions and underperforming due to limited psychological skills. The study participant underwent three baseline assessments of mood state, sports performance strategies (test of performance strategies), and perceived performance (perceived performance inventory and interview) before embarking on the A-B design intervention. Following the eight-week training program, consisting of 50-60 minute sessions encompassing MBTI/self-analysis, goal setting, relaxation/imagery training, self-talk training, concentration training, and routine training, assessments were repeated at four and eight weeks post-intervention. The quantitative data gathered from inventory scores were analyzed using Excel, and presented in a table. Qualitative data from interviews produced further insights into the patient’s experience. This study suggests that eight sessions of psychological skills training can effectively improve mood state, sports performance strategies, and perceived performance in student baseball players. This highlights the potential of such interventions to enhance athletic performance and well-being in individuals struggling with psychological barriers.

THE PREDICTIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COPING MECHANISMS AND SELF-EFFICACY IN ADOLESCENT ATHLETES

In sport psychology, coping with challenges is critical to the success and well-being of athletes. Self-efficacy, as one of the most important features of successful athletes, plays a significant role in designing their training and development programmes. The goal of this exploratory research was to examine and determine whether and how coping strategies for stressful situations can be used as predictors of the psychological factor of self-efficacy in adolescent athletes. The total sample of participants in this study consists of 167 adolescent athletes, that is, 90 boys and 77 girls. Variables in the research were operationalised using appropriate instruments. Statistical techniques for data processing used in this research were the Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression. The most important findings of the study include a statistically significant model that can explain 28.6% of the variance for the criterion in the sample of respondents. Task- and emotion-oriented coping mechanisms were identified as statistically significant predictors. Self-efficacy was higher in athletes with higher task orientation, and lower in those with emotion orientation.

“Mindset: performing under pressure” – a multimodal cognitive-behavioural intervention to enhance the well-being and performance of young athletes

Young athletes experience stress daily and coping adaptively with these stressful situations is an important determinant of their well-being and performance. Rather than seeking to change the often-unavoidable stressful situations, it is possible to change the way in which young athletes think about the situations. The present study aimed to investigate whether a multimodal cognitive-behavioral intervention could enhance young athletes’ psychological well-being and performance. Delivered toward the end of the competitive season when there is often more at stake, the intervention employed a combination of education and reappraisal delivered in 6 × 1-hour group workshops. Content included stress mindset, irrational beliefs, self-compassion, and imagery. We hypothesized that the intervention would enhance stress mindset and reduce irrational beliefs, and in turn, this would enhance the psychological well-being and performance of young athletes. Ninety-four footballers and swimmers (n = 48 females, n = 46 males, Mage = 17.49 years, SD = 3.53) completed measures in stress mindset, perceived performance, irrational beliefs, anxiety and negative affect at baseline and post-intervention. Participants were allocated to an experimental (n = 49) or control condition (n = 45). Results from the mixed model ANOVAs demonstrate that the intervention was successful at enhancing stress mindset and reducing negative affect in the experimental condition, compared to those in the control condition. There were no significant changes in performance, irrational beliefs, or anxiety. Findings offer support for targeting stress mindset to enhance young athletes’ well-being. To reduce irrational beliefs, a more specific approach to the individual may be required. Lay summary: Young athletes experience a range of daily stressors, so exploring ways to enhance their well-being and performance in stressful situations is of importance. Altering their trait beliefs about stress and promoting perceptions of control over their thoughts are useful methods of enhancing their stress mindset and reducing negative affect.

Exploring the relationship between social support, resilience, and subjective well-being in athletes of adapted sport.

Sports participation of people with disabilities provide an improvement in their skills, especially on access to social support, which could improve resilience and well-being. This study aims to analyze the association between types of social support (parents, coach, friend, and best friend), resilience and positive and negative affect, in 105 Portuguese athletes with disabilities aged between 13 and 61 years (32 ± 12.35 years). Participants answered a short sociodemographic questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Brief Resilience Scale, and a scale for assessing social support from parents, coach, friend, and best friend. Social support provided by the best friend, coach, friends, and parents had a direct effect on resilience and positive and negative affect. Results showed a positive and significant association between resilience and positive affect (r = 0.28; p = 0.004) and a negative association between resilience and negative affect (r = -0.37; p ≤ 0.001). A strong relationship was found between resilience and affect, with no relationship being verified between the sources of social support and resilience or affect, as hypothesized. For this group of athletes with disability, more than the social support they may have or may feel, resilience proved to be very important for the consequence of sports practice in terms of subjective well-being.

Coaches' benevolent leadership and athletes' psychological wellbeing: The role of caring climate

The leadership style of coaches plays a vital role in affecting athletes' psychological well-being; however, little is known about the relationship between coaches' benevolent leadership and their athletes' psychological wellbeing. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating mechanism of caring climate in the link between benevolent leadership and psychological wellbeing. With a sample of 295 university athletes from three universities in China, we conducted structural equation modeling to test our hypotheses. The results indicated that coaches' benevolent leadership was positively related to the psychological well-being of athletes, and that caring climate mediated this relationship. Findings from this study highlight the significance of adopting benevolent leadership and creating a caring climate as a means of enhancing the psychological well-being of university athletes.

The Influence of Athletes’ Psychological Needs on Motivation, Burnout, and Well-Being: A Test of Self-Determination Theory

Sport provides a significant role in the lives of athletes; however, both positive and negative mental health effects may occur from sporting experiences, including burnout and/or well-being. A cross-sectional survey was conducted including 685 athletes (Mage = 23.39, SD = 6.22, 71% = male), testing multiple, complementary, self-determination theory hypotheses linked to well-being, and burnout. A multistage modeling approach encompassing confirmatory factor and path analysis was utilized, with results showing significant variance explained for well-being (R2 = .30) and burnout (R2 = .35). Several direct effects were found in line with self-determination theory, including between; needs-support and needs-satisfaction (β = 0.48), and needs-control and needs-frustration (β = 0.44); needs-satisfaction and motivational orientation (β = 0.25); needs-satisfaction and well-being (β = 0.37), and needs frustration and burnout (β = 0.25); and motivational orientation and burnout (β = −0.27), and motivational orientation and well-being (β = 0.18). Indirect effects were found for well-being and burnout via coach needs-support, needs-satisfaction, and motivational orientation in sequence (β = 0.24 and β = −0.22, respectively), in addition to burnout via coach needs-control, needs frustration, and motivational orientation in sequence (β = −0.12). To conclude, coach-based, sporting mental health interventions that promote the utilization of needs-supportive behaviors, while also highlighting the need to minimize needs-controlling behaviors, are recommended for the prevention of burnout and the promotion of well-being in athletes.

RELEVANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS PHYSIOLOGY

The development of sports physiology stands as a crucial cornerstone in comprehending the intricate mechanisms governing human performance in athletic endeavors. This article delves into the profound relevance and significance of sports physiology in deciphering the physiological, biomechanical, and psychological facets underpinning athletes' abilities. It outlines the historical progression of sports physiology, highlighting its pivotal role in optimizing training methodologies, preventing injuries, enhancing performance, and fostering overall athlete well-being. By elucidating the significance of sports physiology, this study emphasizes its contribution to advancing athletic excellence and shaping the future landscape of sports.

The Influence of Social Support Provider on Adolescent Athlete Burnout and Engagement

The purpose of the current research was to examine the interaction of teammate and coach support on athlete burnout and engagement, and determine how type of teammate and coach support links with athlete burnout and engagement. Adolescent athletes (N = 176) completed measures of support, burnout, and engagement. Total teammate and coach support accounted for 14.9%–26.0% and 22.4%–36.7% explained variance across dimensions of burnout and engagement, respectively. No meaningful significant interaction was found. Teammate esteem support predicted reduced accomplishment, devaluation, confidence, and vigor (β = −0.31, −0.36, 0.28, and 0.28), while emotional and tangible support predicted dedication (β = 0.29 and 0.20) and enthusiasm (β = 0.30 and 0.22). Coach esteem support predicted reduced accomplishment (β = −0.59) and devaluation (β = −0.27). Findings suggest that support from one key agent can enhance youth athlete well-being, but types of support provided by agents differ in salience.

Clarifying concepts: “Well-being” in sport

The purpose of this commentary is to critique the application of well-being in the field of sport and exercise psychology and to provide recommendations for future research. Over the last decade well-being has been an increasingly popular concept under investigation. In the field of sport and exercise psychology, numerous scholars have examined and conducted research on well-being of athletes. While this research has resulted in an abundance of findings, there is concern in how the concept of well-being was applied, defined, and measured. The construct of well-being can be traced back to two distinct perspectives, hedonic well-being and eudaimonic well-being. These perspectives of well-being are based on different philosophical assumptions, and while they are compatible, they are theoretically distinct. In sport and exercise psychology, well-being has lacked consistent operationalization and measurement (i.e., theoretical alignment, single dimensions of hedonic or eudaimonic measured to make claims about the broader well-being constructs), is vague and loosely defined, and is often studied in isolation from a well-being perspective (i.e., no theoretical foundation). We conclude by offering three recommendations to move the field of well-being in sport research forward.

Assessment of indoor air quality in health clubs: insights into (ultra)fine and coarse particles and gaseous pollutants.

Exercising on regular basis provides countless health benefits. To ensure the health, well-being and performance of athletes, optimal indoor air quality, regular maintenance and ventilation in sport facilities are essential. This study assessed the levels of particulate, down to the ultrafine range (PM10, PM2.5, and particle number concentration in size range of 20-1,000 nm, i.e., - PNC20-1000 nm), gaseous pollutants (total volatile organic compounds - TVOCs, CO2, and O3) and comfort parameters (temperature - T, relative humidity - RH) in different functional spaces of health clubs (n = 8), under specific occupancy and ventilation restrictions. In all HCs human occupancy resulted in elevated particles (up to 2-3 times than those previously reported), considering mass concentrations (PM10: 1.9-988.5 μg/m3 PM2.5: 1.6-479.3 μg/m3) and number (PNC 1.23 × 103 - 9.14 × 104 #/cm3). Coarse and fine PM indicated a common origin (rs = 0.888-0.909), while PNC showed low-moderate associations with particle mass (rs = 0.264-0.629). In addition, up to twice-higher PM and PNC were detected in cardiofitness & bodybuilding (C&B) areas as these spaces were the most frequented, reinforcing the impacts of occupational activities. In all HCs, TVOCs (0.01-39.67 mg/m3) highly exceeded the existent protection thresholds (1.6-8.9 times) due to the frequent use of cleaning products and disinfectants (2-28 times higher than in previous works). On contrary to PM and PNC, TVOCs were higher (1.1-4.2 times) in studios than in C&B areas, due to the limited ventilations combined with the smaller room areas/volumes. The occupancy restrictions also led to reduced CO2 (122-6,914 mg/m3) than previously observed, with the lowest values in HCs with natural airing. Finally, the specific recommendations for RH and T in sport facilities were largely unmet thus emphasizing the need of proper ventilation procedures in these spaces.