Salivary steroid response and competitive anxiety in elite basketball players: Effect of opponent level

Recovery in elite youth basketball players: The responsiveness of the psychophysiological measurements and the role of testosterone concentration

This study investigated the recovery responses to the Total Quality Recovery (TQR), Well-Being questionnaire (WBQ), and Heart Rate (HR) responses to Submaximal Running Test (SRT), and the influence of salivary testosterone concentration (TEST) on these responses in 25 elite youth (U15) male basketball players. TQR, WBQ, and HR measurements were assessed after 48 hours of rest (T1), 24 hours after the 1st day of training (T2) and 24 hours after the 2nd day of training (T3). Salivary sampling was conducted at T1 and T3. A significant decrease was observed for TQR (F = 4.06; p = 0.01) and for WBQ (F = 5.37; p = 0.008) from T1 to T3. No difference among the three-time points was observed for HR and HR Recovery, and the TEST concentration did not influence the results. These results show that TQR and WBQ are sensitive to acute transient alterations in training loads (TL) and may be utilized to monitor recovery in elite youth basketball players. The HR related measurements presented limited responsiveness, and the TEST seems not to influence the recovery of these players who are competing at highest performance level.

Weekly Fluctuations in, and Associations Between, Salivary Hormone Responses, Load, and Well-Being During the Pre-season in Professional Male Basketball Players

ABSTRACT

Kamarauskas, P, Scanlan, A, Ferioli, D, and Conte, D. Weekly fluctuations in, and associations between, salivary hormone responses, load, and well-being during the pre-season in professional male basketball players. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 128-135, 2024-This study aimed to (a) quantify weekly fluctuations in hormonal responses (testosterone [T], cortisol [C], and their ratio [T:C]), external (PlayerLoad [PL] and PL·minute-1) and internal (session rating of perceived exertion load [sRPE-load], summated heart rate zones [SHRZs], and percentage of maximal heart rate [%HRmax]) load measures, and well-being measured using a self-reported questionnaire and (b) determine the associations between weekly changes in hormonal responses and load measures with weekly changes in well-being during the pre-season phase in basketball players. Twenty-one professional male basketball players (age: 26.2 ± 4.9 years) were monitored during a 5-week pre-season phase. Linear mixed models were used to determine weekly differences in each variable and associations between weekly changes in hormonal and load variables with weekly changes in well-being. Findings revealed that T (p < 0.001) and T:C (p = 0.002) increased toward the end of the pre-season phase. Moreover, higher (p < 0.05) external (PL·minute-1) and internal (%HRmax) load intensities were evident during the first 3 weeks of the pre-season, with no significant fluctuations in other load variables. Weekly changes in PL and sRPE-load were negatively associated (p < 0.05) with weekly changes in well-being, albeit weak in magnitudes (R2 = 0.061-0.105). These results highlight that a periodized approach was undertaken across the pre-season predominantly predicated on altering weekly load intensities, which coincided with positive hormonal responses toward the end of the pre-season. In addition, weak relationships were evident between weekly changes in hormonal responses and load measures with well-being, emphasizing that a low commonality may be present between these constructs.

More than a feeling: Effects of competitive asymmetry on human emotions

Competitive interactions have important effects on human emotions. Both victory and defeat can evoke a wide range of emotional reactions, including joy, pride, anger, fear, sadness and shame. However, little is known about what determines this variety of contestants' affective responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of competitive asymmetry, a common and ecologically relevant feature of animal conflicts, on human emotional responses to winning or losing a contest. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two experiments, the first with high school students (n = 331) and the second with young athletes (n = 73), in which we manipulated the outcomes of successive matches in a non-athletic competition. Thus, by inducing the competitors' scores, ranging from closer to more decisive outcomes, we were able to define the degree of competitive asymmetry in victory and defeat conditions. We then assessed participants' emotional responses to a set of affective stimuli. In the defeat condition, we found in both studies an increase in the occurrence of anger and fear due to more symmetric contests. There were also more frequent reports of shame following more decisive defeats (Experiment 1) and of pride following closer victories (Experiment 2), which were seen neither for sadness nor joy in any of the studies. Supporting our hypothesis, emotional reactions triggered by asymmetries among contestants were consistent with the behavioral patterns commonly seen in symmetric and asymmetric animal conflict, such as dominance/aggressive and defensive/escape behaviors.

Acute and Long-Lasting Effects of Slow-Paced Breathing on Handball Team Coach's Match Stress

Stress was previously defined as a response to any demand for change. These demands are noticeable during sport events, not only in athletes but also in coaches. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the influence of slow-paced breathing (SPB) on acute stress to handball coaches during official matches. One professional handball coach, aged 37 (height, 180 cm; weight, 80 kg), took part in the study. His salivary cortisol (C) concentration and alpha-amylase (AA) activity were measured, and his heart rate (HR) was monitored during six official matches. In the first three matches the SPB training protocol was not followed. From match four to match six, the coach performed SPB training every day and directly before the match. The decrease observed in AA was statistically significant with a large effect size (1.80). The trend of change in HR is visible and similar for matches with and without SPB. However, for SPB matches, there is a lower starting point compared to matches without SPB (89.81 ± 6.26 and 96.62 ± 8.10, respectively). Moreover, values of AA on SPB matches were smaller before the match (93.92 ± 15.89) compared to the same time point in non-SPB matches (115.30 ± 26.00). For AA, there is a significant effect size in the half-time (2.00) and after the match (-2.14). SPB matches showed a lower increase in AA. SPB might be used as one of the possible tools that could help coaches in achieving a desirable mental state during the match.

A influência da idade nos níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva de atletas de esportes coletivos

Objetivo: Objetivou-se investigar a influência da idade no nível de ansiedade pré-competitiva de atletas de esportes coletivos. Metodologia: Participaram 27 atletas de ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: atletas até 20 anos de idade (14 participantes) e atletas acima de 21 anos de idade (13 participantes). Utilizou-se o CSAI-2r e o questionário de caracterização da amostra. Resultados e discussão: Os resultados demonstraram que os dois grupos apresentaram níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva similares, mas o grupo de atletas mais velhos apresentou escores superiores para autoconfiança. Conclusão: Pode-se concluir que a idade não influenciou os resultados de ansiedade pré-competitiva, mas os escores de autoconfiança do grupo de atletas mais velhos foram superiores, sugerindo que a idade pode ter influenciado os níveis de autoconfiança.

ANALYSIS OF CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF ANKLE INJURIES IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL

ABSTRACT Introduction: Basketball is a combative sport, very popular among college students. However, it requires many periods of running, interspersed with emergency breaks, tackling, and other actions prone to ankle injuries. Objective: Investigate the causes of ankle joint injuries in college basketball, raising countermeasures to prevent these sports injuries. Methods: 413 college students who regularly participate in basketball games at 10 colleges and universities were selected as research objects. The causes of ankle joint injuries in the process of this sport were investigated through questionnaires, and the main causes of injuries were analyzed using statistical methods. Results: The causes of ankle joint injuries in college basketball include subjective and objective factors. Subjective factors include inadequate psychological preparation, warm-up exercise, cushioning, and excessive exercise, among others listed; objective factors mainly contemplate local injury and accidental injury. Conclusion: The participation of college students in basketball is beneficial to improve their physical health, requiring effective measures to prevent possible ankle injuries, both related to subjective and objective aspects. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

Recovery of the physiological status in professional basketball players using NESA neuromodulation treatment during different types of microcycles in season: A preliminary randomized clinical trial

The purpose of the study was to describe and compare recovery status after official basketball competition in players who underwent NESA neuromodulation treatment (NNT) in weeks with one or two matches. The recovery parameters of 12 professional male basketball players (mean ± SD, age: 20.6 ± 2.7 yr; height: 197.8 ± 11.7 cm; and body mass: 89.0 ± 21.2 kg) that competed in the LEB Plata (Spanish third division) were monitored 2 days after match-play over 6 weeks, and included: 1) the Hooper Test, which combines four subjective variables (sleep, stress, fatigue and soreness); 2) common biochemical markers (e.g., testosterone, cortisol and ratio T:C); and 3) lowest heart rate [HR], average HR, HR variability, sleep duration, awake time during night and onset latency before asleep). Players that completed NNT presented differences compared to the control group in sleep data. For instance, the lowest HR (p < 0.001), average HR (p < 0.001) and total awake time (p = 0.04) were significantly reduced in the NNT group. On the contrary, the control group presented greater values than the NNT group in the subjective Hooper Test, although only stress presented significant differences (Control 2.5 ± 1.2 vs. NNT cost or 3.2 ± 0.9; p = 0.01). Additionally, there were no significant differences in recovery parameters between weeks with one or two matches. In conclusion, the results suggest that players that underwent NNT tended to improve their sleep quality. Nevertheless, player's values in the biochemical markers and wellness status remained similar in both groups. The fact that no significant differences were found between weeks with one or two matches could help basketball professionals to determine that a congested schedule does not seem to negatively alter recovery status. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04939181?term=NCT04939181, NCT04939181.

Analysis of stress tolerance, competitive-anxiety, heart rate variability and salivary cortisol during successive matches in male futsal players

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the stress tolerance, competitive anxiety, heart rate variability and salivary cortisol before and during successive futsal competitive matches (3 matches in 4 days) in young male futsal players.

METHODS

10 young male futsal players (16.9 ± 0.7 age; 71.0 ± 5.1 kg; 174.9 ± 4.3 cm) were monitored during one training session and across a competitive period with 3 successive matches. External load was determined by the PlayerLoad method, while session rating of perceived exertion was used to calculate the internal training and competitive load. The stress tolerance was examined using Daily Analysis of Life Demand in Athletes questionnaire and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory was used to analyze the competitive anxiety. The Time and frequency monitoring parameters were used to analyze the vagal cardiac autonomic marker. sC was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

A generalized estimating equation showed a significant difference for PlayerLoad from M1 to TS, M2 and M3, from M2 to M3 (p < 0.05), and for session rating of perceived exertion from M1 to Ts and M3 (p < 0.05). A difference for sources [χ² ₍₃₎ = 1.481, p = 0.68] or symptoms [χ² ₍₃₎ = 3.893, p = 0.27] was not found. There was no significant difference in any of the competitive anxiety [cognitive anxiety (F _{(1.644; 14.799)} = 4.6, p = 0.73, ŋ² p = 0.28), somatic anxiety (F _{(2,09; 18,85)} = 26.07 p = 0.057; ŋ²_p = 0.27) or self-confidence (F_{(2.07; 18.85)} = 15.875 p = 0.152; ŋ²_p = 0.18)] domains. The HRV parameters (time domain and frequency) and Salivary Cortisol (sC) (χ² ₍₃₎ = 4.320 p = 0.229) did not significantly change during the successive matches.

CONCLUSION

The competitive scenario in which the players were evaluated did not significantly modify the stress tolerance, or the athletes' state of anxiety, which in turn was not able to promote changes in the cardiac vagal modulation or in the sC levels before the matches.

Pre-competitive anxiety and autonomic responses in professional U-20 futsal players: Effect of the competition phase and game location

The study examined whether pre-competition anxiety and autonomic responses in elite futsal players change across the playoffs at away vs home venues. Heart rate variability, somatic and cognitive anxiety and self-confidence (by CSAI-2R questionnaire) were evaluated in nine male futsal players from a professional U-20 team, before competitive matches at the quarter-final, semi-final and final stages played at home and away venues. Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used, considering factor one the game location and factor two the playoff stage, with significance set at p<0.05. Significant effects of the playoff stage were demonstrated in the Mean of HR (F = 4.643; p = 0.014) and SD2 index (F = 14.83; p=<0.001)(quarter versus final). No difference was found for somatic and cognitive anxiety and self-confidence between the two factors. The results suggest that play at the final stage of the playoff, regardless of the game location, may cause higher physiological stress, demonstrated by elevated HR and decrease of SD2 index.

The Immunological and Hormonal Responses to Competitive Match-Play in Elite Soccer Players

This study aimed to examine the salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) and salivary cortisol (s-Cort) responses to competitive matches in elite male soccer players. Data were collected for 19 players (mean ± SD, age: 26 ± 4 years; weight: 80.5 ± 8.1 kg; height: 1.83 ± 0.07 m; body-fat 10.8 ± 0.7%) from a Russian Premier League team throughout a 6-week period during the 2021-2022 season. Physical match loads were measured through an optical tracking system. s-IgA and s-Cort were assessed one day before each match (MD - 1), 60-min before kick-off, 30-min post-match, and 48-h post-match (MD + 2). At 60-min before kick-off, s-IgA values were lower than at MD - 1 (90% CI difference 15.7-71.3 μg/mL). Additionally, compared to 60-min before kick-off, s-IgA was higher at 30-min post-match (90% CI difference 1.8-57.8 μg/mL) and at MD + 2 (90% CI difference 5.4-60.5 μg/mL). At 30-min post-match, s-Cort was higher than at 60-min before kick-off (90% CI difference 4.84-7.86 ng/mL), while on MD + 2 s-Cort was higher than at 60-min before kick-off (90% CI difference 0.76-3.72 ng/mL). Mixed model regressions revealed that longer playing time and total distance covered, and higher number of high-intensity accelerations, involved smaller s-IgA differences between 30-min post-match and 60-min before kick-off, and between 60-min before kick-off and MD + 2. Additionally, greater high-intensity and sprint distances, and a higher number of high-intensity and maximal accelerations, involved smaller s-Cort differences between 60-min before kick-off and MD + 2. In conclusion, the present results demonstrate that using salivary monitoring combined with match load may be a useful tool to monitor individual mucosal immunity and hormonal responses to match-play and the subsequent recovery periods in elite soccer players.

Development Status and Influencing Factors of Competitive Basketball Management System under the Background of Deep Learning

Competitive basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. With the development of China's sports power strategy, the national movement has strengthened the status of basketball in sports. However, China's competitive basketball ranking is not high in the world, and the analysis of the reasons should start with the management system. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the development status and influencing factors of China's competitive basketball management system under the background of deep learning. For the background of deep learning, this paper describes the application of deep learning algorithms in basketball strategy. It adopts the expert interview method for the competitive basketball management system and elaborates in detail on five aspects: target mechanism, competition mechanism, selection mechanism, market mechanism, and incentive mechanism. The experimental results of the article believe that, based on the suggestions of 10 experts, the current Chinese competitive basketball selection mechanism is the most influential factor, with a weight of 16.1%, and the smallest impact is the level of athletes, accounting for 11.4%.

Impact of Basketball Match on the Pre-Competitive Anxiety and HRV of Youth Female Players

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of a basketball competition on the pre-competitive anxiety and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) of young female basketball players. A total of 12 female basketball players participated in this cross-sectional study. Girls had a mean age of 14 (1.41) years old and a mean experience of 4 (0.85) years practicing basketball. The pre-competitive anxiety and the HRV was assessed the week before and immediately before and after the match. Results showed a significant reduction (p-value < 0.05) of the several HRV variables after the match compared to baseline and pre-competition measures. However, differences between baseline and pre-competition were not found. Furthermore, a significant increase in somatic anxiety after the competition was reported. Taking into account HRV, somatic anxiety, and cognitive anxiety results, young female basketball players did not exhibit an increase in pre-competition anxiety. HRV measurements before competition can help coaches and physical trainers to identify female players with higher pre-competitive anxiety and propose intervention to manage it. Future studies should investigate the impact of coaches and parents on the pre-competitive anxiety of female and male basketball players.

Stress Responses to One-Day Athletic Tournament in Sport Coaches: A Pilot Study

Simple Summary

Judo coaches respond to stress during one-day tournaments, as evidenced by significant changes in hormonal status. The cumulative effect of stressful stimuli was noticeable especially at the end of the day. The results of the present study indicate the usefulness of using tools and a way to study stress among coaches. A similar research protocol can be used to assess stress responses to single-day stimuli associated with other social and occupational roles in healthy middle-aged men.

Abstract

Background: Watching athletic tournaments induces emotional and physiological responses in sports fans and coaches. The aim of the study was to investigate hormonal and cardiovascular responses in judo coaches observing the fights of their athletes during one-day, high-level tournaments. Material and methods: We studied the biological responses of a group of seventeen judo club coaches between the ages of 39 and 57 years to a one-day judo tournament attended by the adult male and/or female athletes that they coached. At the time of the tournaments and also in neutral conditions, the coaches’ capillary blood and saliva samples were collected concurrently two times a day, both at 7:30 a.m. and after completion of the tournament (at about 8:00 p.m.). Cardiovascular parameters were also determined at the same times of day. Sleep quality (SQ) was assessed on a 6-point scale both on the night preceding the tournament and in neutral conditions. Cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) levels were determined from serum and saliva samples. The results for both days at different times of day were compared. Results: Statistical calculations showed higher concentrations of cortisol and a greater reduction of testosterone levels in serum and saliva at the end of the day during the tournament compared with those on a neutral day. Morning and evening cardiovascular indices were higher during the tournament. Conclusion: The study showed that during one-day tournaments, judo coaches were exposed to stress that induced intermittent hormonal changes in blood and saliva and activated the autonomic nervous system.

The Role of Psychological Factors in Judo: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Psychological parameters are relevant in the practice of judo. Previous studies have shown that parameters such as anxiety or motivation can have a negative or positive impact on the athlete’s performance and general well-being, depending on the athlete’s perception. This systematic review aimed to summarize the studies examining the influence of various psychological parameters on well-being and performance in judo athletes; (2) Methods: We followed preferred reporting elements for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We searched the Web of Science database for studies that explained the role of these parameters in elite athletes. Of the 286 articles initially identified, 17 met our eligibility criteria and were included in the review. In total, we analyzed data from 721 judo athletes; (3) Results: The studies found have demonstrated the impact of various psychological parameters during high-level performance and how these parameters can influence and lead an athlete to win or lose a competition. The feelings of tension, anger, anxiety, and nervousness were significantly increased in athletes who were facing defeat, while a decrease in the same segments and an increase in motivation among athletes who were experiencing better performance was observed. Further research under standardized conditions is needed to better understand the effects of these parameters on judo athletes; (4) Conclusions: Considering the athlete’s psychological state can affect performance, and it is therefore important to monitor and train these factors.

The Frequency and Intensity of Representative and Nonrepresentative Late Adolescent Team-Sport Athletes' Training Schedules

ABSTRACT

Scantlebury, S, Till, K, Sawczuk, T, Dalton-Barron, N, Phibbs, P, and Jones, B. The frequency and intensity of representative and nonrepresentative late adolescent team-sport athletes' training schedules. J Strength Cond Res 35(12): 3400-3406, 2021-This study aimed to identify and compare the training frequency and intensity (via session rating of perceived exertion load [sRPE load]) of representative and nonrepresentative late adolescent athletes. Thirty-six team sport athletes completed a web-based questionnaire daily over an 8-month period, reporting their training/match activities from the previous day. Athletes were categorized as representative (academy/county/international) or nonrepresentative (club/school) depending on the highest level of their sport they participated. Mean weekly frequencies and sRPE load of different training/match activities were quantified for each athlete across 5 school terms. Mann-Whitney U tests established the significance of differences and effect sizes between playing standards for mean weekly frequencies and mean sRPE load. Within-athlete weekly sRPE loads were highly variable for both playing standards; however, representative level athletes participated in significantly more activity outside of school compared with nonrepresentative athletes during November-December (effect size; 0.43-club technical training; 0.36-club matches), January-February (effect size; 0.78-club technical training; 0.75-club matches), and February-March (effect size; 0.63-club technical training; 0.44-club matches). Therefore, club and school coaches must ensure that all elements of representative athletes training schedules are coordinated and flexible to promote positive adaptions to training such as skill and physical development and prevent maladaptive responses such as overuse injury and nonfunctional overreaching. A cooperative and malleable training schedule between club/school coaches and the athlete will allow the athlete to perform on multiple fronts while also being able to meet the demands of additional stressors such as schoolwork.

Evaluation of cognitive load in team sports: literature review

In team sports, load management has become one of the most common areas of investigation, given that effective control over load is the key to being able to optimize performance and avoid injuries. Despite the constant evolution and innovation in the latest theories, we can see a clear tendency in load management that focuses on physiological and mechanical aspects and neglects its cognitive character, which generates the variability inherent in the performance of athletes in a changing environment. Indicators of response that inform methods of control over cognitive load can include cognitive, physiological and behavioral indicators. However, limited investigations exist to support the reliability of each indicator regarding cognitive load. For this reason, the objective of this literature review is to present strategies used to manage cognitive load in team sports, as well as the indicators utilized for such a proposition and their relationships in specific contexts.

Salivary oxytocin, cognitive anxiety and self-confidence in pre-competition athletes

It is well known that soccer sport has the potential for high levels of stress and anxiety and that these are linked to Cortisol (C) variations. To date, much research has been devoted to understanding how Oxytocin (OT) can affect anxiety in response to a challenge. The aim of this study was to investigate, in 56 young male soccer players, the psychophysiological stress response 96 and 24 h before one soccer match of a tournament, in order to establish whether athletes who won or lost, show different levels of C and OT or expressions of competitive state anxiety subcomponents. We found that winners had significantly lower Cognitive anxiety and higher Self-confidence scores than losers. Also, significant differences between winners and losers in C and OT concentrations were observed, with higher OT levels in who has won and higher C levels in who has lost. Our results showed interesting associations between OT, C, anxiety feelings, and the outcome of competition.

Comparative analysis of the effects of collection methods on salivary steroids

BACKGROUND

Steroid hormone test for saliva was a promising area of research, however the impact of different collection methods on salivary steroids was underexplored so far. This study was designed to compare the effects of different collection methods (unstimulated or stimulated by chewing paraffin, forepart or midstream) on salivary flow rate, concentrations and secretion rates of steroids in saliva.

METHODS

Whole-saliva samples were collected from 10 systemically and orally healthy participants, whose forepart and midstream segments of saliva were collected under unstimulated and stimulated conditions, with the salivary flow rate of each sample recorded. The concentrations and secretion rates of salivary steroids including testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and progesterone were measured by ELISA, with the multiple of change calculated.

RESULTS

The results indicated mechanical stimulation used in collection of saliva samples could affect concentrations and secretion rates of steroids, whereas forepart and midstream segments had little differences in levels of salivary steroids, which effects could be partly influenced by individual specificity. The asynchronism in change of secretion rate of steroids with that of salivary flow rate might play an important role during this course.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, we suggested to use the same collection method throughout one analytical study on salivary steroids or in longitudinal observations to ensure the comparability of the saliva samples collected.

Modelling the Relationship between Match Outcome and Match Performances during the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup: A Quantile Regression Analysis

The FIBA Basketball World Cup is one of the most prominent sporting competitions for men’s basketball, with coaches interested in key performance indicators (KPIs) that give a better understanding of basketball competitions. The aims of the study were to (1) examine the relationship between match KPIs and outcome in elite men’s basketball; and (2) identify the most suitable analysis (multiple linear regression (MLR) vs. quantile regression (QR)) to model this relationship during the men’s basketball tournament. A total of 184 performance records from 92 games were selected and analyzed via MLR and QR, using 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th quantiles. Several offensive (Paint Score, Mid-Range Score, Three-Point Score, Offensive Rebounds and Turnovers) and defensive (Defensive Rebounds, Steals and Personal Fouls) KPIs were associated with match outcome. The QR model identified additional KPIs that influenced match outcome than the MLR model, with these being Mid-Range Score at the 10th quantile and Offensive Rebounds at the 90th quantile. In terms of contextual variables, the quality of opponent had no impact on match outcome across the entire range of quantiles. Our results highlight QR modelling as a potentially superior tool for performance analysts and coaches to design and monitor technical–tactical plans during match-play. Our study has identified the KPIs contributing to match success at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup with QR modelling assisting with a more detailed performance analysis, to support coaches with the optimization of training and match-play styles.

Heart rate variability and pre-competitive anxiety according to the demanding level of the match in female soccer athletes

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a highly-demanding match and a lowly-demanding match on pre-competitive heart rate variability (HRV) and anxiety in semi-professional female soccer athletes. A total of 14 players, with a mean age of 23.78 (4.93), from the Cáceres Women Football Club of the Spanish Second National Division participated in our study. They were evaluated in two microcycles which correspond to a highly- and a lowly-demanding matches. For each microcycle a baseline and a pre-competitive measures were collected. Results indicated that HRV was significantly reduced before a highly demanding match whereas a lowly-demanding match did not lead to any change. Significant differences in HRV and cognitive anxiety were observed when compared the highly and the lowly demanding matches, which means an increase in the anxiety levels before the highly-demanding match. HRV could be an indicator of precompetitive anxiety in semi-professional female soccer players. This could be used by coaches or physical trainers as a tool to examine the precompetitive anxiety in athletes.

Competition phase affect motivation and perceived performance but not the pre-competitive anxiety on professional dancers

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of competition phase on pre-competitive anxiety, motivation and perceived of performance on professional contemporary dancers. Eight professional dancers from the same company were evaluated on basal condition, classificatory and final phase. Anxiety and motivation state were evaluated pre-competition and perceived of performance (PP) post-competition. ANOVA with repeated measures presented no difference for anxiety state between the competitive phases (p > 0.05). Motivation and PP were significantly higher during the final phase, tested by Friedman test (p ≤ 0.05). The data suggest competing in a final phase may lead to a major motivation and perceived of performance on professional contemporary dancers.

Psychological Profile, Competitive Anxiety, Moods and Self-Efficacy in Beach Handball Players

The first objective of this research was to analyze the relationships between the sports psychological profile, competitive anxiety, mood and self-efficacy in beach handball players. The second objective was to determine the predictive capacity of the psychological profile on competitive anxiety, moods and self-efficacy, which was assessed by linear regression analysis. One hundred and eighty-one beach handball players participated in this research (age: M = 25.68; SD = 5.95), of which 52.49% were male (n = 95) and 47.51% were female (n = 86). The Psychological Sports Execution Inventory (SPPI), the Competition Anxiety State Inventory 2 (CSAI-2), the Mood Profile (POMS) questionnaire and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) were used to obtain the data. Correlation and linear regression analyses reveal statistically significant associations between the constructs studied, both for the total sample and by gender. Specifically, they highlight the relationships between the different measures of the sports psychological profile with self-confidence (p < 0.001), as well as those established between negative coping control with competitive anxiety (p < 0.001), moods (p < 0.05) and general self-efficacy (p < 0.001).

Intraocular Pressure as an Indicator of the Level of Induced Anxiety in Basketball

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data demonstrate that intraocular pressure (IOP) is sensitive to anxiety manipulation in sport scenarios, specifically in a basketball free throw task. The present outcomes may be of special relevance because of its practical advantages for the objective control of athletes' anxiety levels.

PURPOSE

Athletes experience high levels of anxiety during sport competition, and IOP has demonstrated to reflect autonomous nervous system changes during mentally demanding situations. We tested whether different levels of induced anxiety during basketball free throw shooting alter IOP.

METHODS

We followed a repeated-measures design to test the effects of anxiety-induced manipulation during basketball free throw shooting on IOP, shooting performance, and perceived anxiety. Eighteen amateur basketball players performed three experimental sessions consisting of 100 free throws each. However, we gave three different instructions to participants regarding the score assigned to each free throw, allowing us to manipulate the level of induced anxiety (low, medium, and high).

RESULTS

Confirming a successful anxiety manipulation, basketball players reported more perceived anxiety with higher levels of induced anxiety (P < .001, η = 0.37). Our data show that higher levels of induced anxiety provoke an acute IOP rise (P < .001, η = 0.44), with the low-, medium-, and high-anxiety-induced conditions promoting an average IOP rise of 0.21, 1.63, and 18.46%, respectively. Also, there was a linear IOP rise over time in the high-anxiety-induced condition (r = 0.82). Nevertheless, we found no effect of anxiety-induced manipulation on basketball free throw performance (P = .93).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraocular pressure is sensitive to anxiety-induced manipulation during basketball free throw shooting, showing an increase in parallel with accumulated anxiety. Based on these findings, IOP may be considered a promising tool for the assessment of the level of anxiety in certain sport situations. Future studies are required to explore the generalizability of these results in other scenarios with different physical and mental demands.

The Comparison of Psychological Characteristics between Korean and Japanese Women Pro-Basketball Players

OBJECTIVE

Korea (ranked 16th) and Japan (ranked 13th) show similar rankings, skills, and performance in basketball. However, the countries differ in size and the number of players in the national women's basketball system. The current study aimed to compare the psychological factors (anxiety, and temperament and character) and the national teams' players' characteristics between 80 Korean (WKBL players) and 76 Japanese (WJBL players) female basketball players in six professional teams each.

METHODS

All players were asked to complete demographic characteristics including age, career years, position, number of past and presents positions, and clinical scales, including sports anxiety, state anxiety, trait anxiety, and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses among individual factors, physical factors, basketball status, anxiety factors, and temperamental conditions were conducted.

RESULTS

In all basketball players, all five models were significantly associated with national team players. The TCI factors were the strongest predictive factors for Korean national team players, while the anxiety factors were the strongest predictive factors for Japanese national team players. WKBL players in all positions showed higher sports anxiety and harm avoidance than WJBL players. WJBL players scored higher on self-directedness and cooperativeness than WKBL players.

CONCLUSION

For predicting national team players, temperament and character were crucial factors in WKBL players where anxiety was the most important one for WJBL players.

Salivary testosterone concentration, anxiety, perceived performance and ratings of perceived exertion in basketball players during semi-final and final matches

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of playing semi-final (SFM) and final (FM) matches on salivary testosterone (T) concentration, anxiety, session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and perceived performance (PP) in elite male youth basketball players. Data from 25 players who participated ≥15 min in 6 assessed matches consisting of SFM (n = 3; 1 match for each age-category [U15, U16, and U17]), and FM (n = 3; 1 match for each age-category) were retained for analysis. Saliva sampling was conducted before and after the matches. Video recordings of the matches were conducted to assess the players match involvement (technical and tactical actions). Anxiety (CSAI-2) was assessed before pre-match saliva sampling, and session-RPE and PP were assessed post-matches. A significant increase in T from pre-to-post matches (SFM and FM; F = 24.40, p < .001) was observed, with no effect for condition (F = 1.70, p = .20) or interaction (F = 0.006, p = .93). No significant correlation between changes in salivary T (pre-to-post matches) and match involvement was observed (p > .05). However, a higher anxiety, session-RPE and PP were observed for FM (p < .05). The results of the present study suggest that while rising T in winners might be considered to be a hormonal response to support the expression of high-status signs, regardless of the playoff round (SFM or FM), the T and perceptual responses may be explained based on psychological aspects associated with the environment rather than by the technical demands or player's involvement in the match.

Human social neuroendocrinology: Review of the rapid effects of testosterone

Contribution to Special Issue on Fast effects of steroids. It is well documented that testosterone concentrations change rapidly within reproductively relevant contexts (e.g., competition, mate-seeking). It has been argued that such rapid changes in testosterone may serve to adaptively fine-tune ongoing and/or future social behaviour according to one's social environment. In this paper, we review human correlational and experimental evidence suggesting that testosterone fluctuates rapidly in response to competition and mate-seeking cues, and that such acute changes may serve to modulate ongoing and/or future social behaviours (e.g., risk-taking, competitiveness, mate-seeking, and aggression). Some methodological details, which limit interpretation of some of this human work, are also discussed. We conclude with a new integrative model of testosterone secretion and behaviour, the Fitness Model of Testosterone Dynamics. Although we focus primarily on human aggression in this review, we also highlight research on risk-taking, competitiveness, and mate-seeking behaviour.

Competition stage influences perceived performance but does not affect rating of perceived exertion and salivary neuro-endocrine-immune markers in elite young basketball players

This study examined the effects of competition stage on the salivary concentration of testosterone (T), cortisol (C), alpha-amylase (sAA), and IL-1ß cytokine, perceived performance (PP) and session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) in elite youth basketball players (age, 15.8 ± 0.8 yrs.; stature, 190.9 ± 7.9 cm; body mass, 90.0 ± 16.9 kg) from two age-categories (U16; n = 7; U17; n = 7). Two winning playoff matches (FM; playing for the championship; 1 for each age-category) and two winning regular stage matches (RM; 1 for each age category, played against opponents ranked 2nd place), were assessed in the current study. Saliva samples were collected before and after each match and analyzed by ELISA; PP and session-RPE were assessed after each match. The results from the two-way ANOVA (condition; FM and RM) with repeated measures (pre-and post-matches) showed a significant effect for time (increase from pre-to-post matches) in T (F = 7.0, p < .001), C (F = 34.0, p < .001), and sAA (F = 25.0, p < .001), but not for IL-1ß (p > .05). No effect of condition or interaction (FM and RM) was observed on salivary markers. PP was higher for FM, compared to RM (effect size; ES = 0.85), despite no clear difference in session-RPE (ES = 0.22). A higher PP for FM might be associated with the fact that players were no longer concerned about issues linked to social dominance and status threats after FM, but they might be uncertain about their status after RM. Additionally, when playing against a high-level opponent, the players might perceive their opponent as a threat against status stability, regardless of the stage of the competition, which might explain the similar change in salivary neuro-endocrine-immune-related markers.