Impact of symptoms, experiences, and perceptions of the menstrual cycle on recreational physical activity of cyclically menstruating individuals: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The menstrual cycle often presents barriers to participation in daily life activities, including physical activity (PA), which is a cornerstone of health and well-being. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore and summarize the impact of symptoms, experiences, and perceptions of the menstrual cycle on recreational PA (RPA), including sports, exercise and active recreation, in the general population. METHODS: Six databases were searched for studies that investigated the impact of the menstrual cycle on PA among individuals who were cyclically menstruating, healthy, and not involved in professional sports training. RESULTS: The search yielded 3025 studies that were screened for relevance and eligibility, resulting in 25 eligible studies, which were found to be of moderate-to-high quality following a quality and risk-of-bias assessment. Thematic synthesis of qualitative and quantitative data from the selected studies, constituting 16,557 adults and 3715 adolescents, identified the impact of menstrual symptoms on the physical and psychological capability to participate in RPA, social opportunity barriers to RPA (e.g., social pressure due to the sociocultural taboo against menstruation), as well reflective (knowledge) and automatic (habit) motivation on RPA behaviours. CONCLUSION: The variability in menstrual symptoms and corresponding experiences suggested the need for an individualized approach to RPA promotion. Furthermore, this review highlighted the need to address the sociocultural taboo against menstruation, as well as improve the provision of knowledge and resources related to the menstrual cycle and RPA, in order to promote and facilitate RPA for cyclically menstruating individuals throughout the menstrual cycle.

Retention in Junior Giants, a sport-based youth development program: what factors are associated with intentions to return?

Introduction: While evaluation research shows that physical activity-based youth development (PA-PYD) programs can have a positive impact on social and emotional growth, less is known about which participants return year after year and what factors are associated with their continued participation. The Junior Giants is a sport-based youth development program for 5-18-year-old boys and girls that is non-competitive and free to participate. The 8-week program uses baseball and softball as platforms for teaching life skills and fostering social emotional competencies. This mixed-methods study evaluated quantitative factors associated with intentions to return to the program the following year and qualitative reasons why parents/caregivers intended not to re-enroll their child. Method: Parents/caregivers of Junior Giants participants (N = 8,495) completed online surveys about their child's demographics, social emotional climate and learning, character development, and intentions to return the following year. Results: Descriptive data illustrated that parents/caregivers reported quite positive outcomes and experiences for their child. Chi-square and t-test analyses revealed significant differences (p < .001) between intended returners (n = 7,179, 84.5%) and those who reported no/undecided on returning (n = 1,316, 15.5%). Intended returners were significantly more likely to be identified as Latino and be in their second year of participation. Significant predictors of a binomial logistic regression [χ2 (df = 22) = 1,463.25, p < .001] included age, race/ethnicity, years played, character development, reading, league experiences, physical activity, and perceived support, with small to medium effect sizes. Using responses from a subset of 217 parents/caregivers who reported their child would not return to the program, a thematic analysis resulted in seven themes: Lack of Organization and Communication; Dissatisfied with Coaching, Didn't Learn Baseball/Softball, Not Competitive Enough, Skill Levels Not Matched, Aged Out, and Non-Program Related Reasons. Discussion: Quantitative results contribute to the literature on predictors of retention in youth development programs, while qualitative findings echo common motives cited for dropout in youth sport. Both provide opportunities for reflection and potential changes to future programming.

Investigating the effect of grit trait on performance and success in Hungarian athlete's sample.

Background: The aim of the present study is to translate the Grit questionnaire into Hungarian and validate specifically within the context of sports. The second goal is to assess the questionnaire in Hungarian as a pilot study in the athlete population and to compare the grit trait with the coaches' athlete evaluation. Methods: Two hundred and sixty nine athletes, including 40 national team players, took part in the study, with an average age of 18.17 years (SD = 5.51). For the preliminary assessment, the Cloninger Temperament and Character Questionnaire (TCI-RH) was used; the coaches' athlete evaluation was modeled on a talent map. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the fit of the two-factor structure, and the internal reliability of the questionnaire scales also proved to be adequate. 2. There is no relationship between adolescents' perceived grit and coach ratings. 3. The national team players achieved a higher grit score. Conclusion: Based on the psychometric indicators, the validity and reliability of the questionnaire proved to be adequate. Therefore, it is applicable and useful for psychological practitioners and researchers in the Hungarian population within the context of sports.

Exploring a practitioner-athlete relationship and facilitated learning throughout a psychological skills training program.

Psychological skills training (PST) programs have been consistently reported as an important part of preparation for optimal performance in high performance sport. However, there is much less research about the quality and characteristics of the working relationship between a sport psychology practitioner (SPP) and an athlete and, importantly, how that relationship facilitates learning. Therefore, the purpose of the present paper was to explore the working relationship between a SPP and a volleyball player and how that working relationship facilitated the learning processes utilized by this player, as she prepared for the demands of her sport and life. An instrumental case study methodology with a qualitative description approach was employed to illustrate different aspects of the evolving relationship and the athlete's experiences. The results of this case reflect an approach that combined features of both a directive approach in teaching specific psychological skills and a less directive and more collaborative approach, which, in turn, allowed an athlete to begin to learn how to guide their own learning.

Development and experiences of an internet-based acceptance and commitment training (I-ACT) intervention in ice hockey players: a qualitative feasibility study.

Internet-based psychological interventions have increased the accessibility of evidence-based treatments in clinical psychology but are still an unexplored delivery format in sport psychology research. This study describes the development and evaluates the experiences of an internet-based acceptance and commitment therapy/training (I-ACT) intervention in ice hockey players focusing on performance enhancement and a sustainable sport participation. I-ACT consisted of seven weekly modules and the feasibility of the intervention was investigated using a qualitative research design. Four national level ice hockey players took part of I-ACT and were interviewed about their experiences using a semi-structured protocol. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings suggest that the content of I-ACT was comprehensible, relevant, and that it was possible to put the psychological skills into practice. I-ACT was described as helpful to the ice hockey players either in their sport performance or in their life outside of sport. The internet-format was generally perceived as positive, flexible, and a feasible option for delivering psychological interventions in an elite sport context. Some concerns were raised regarding the timing of the intervention at the end of the season, and some players also wished for more time to complete I-ACT. It was also expressed that some of the exercises could have been better adapted for goaltenders. Further trials are needed to evaluate the effects of I-ACT on performance and mental health outcomes in various sport populations using robust quantitative research methodology. Internet-based psychological interventions are a potential future opportunity to make evidence-based practices more accessible for athletes.

Understanding the performance-related psychological characteristics and skills of doctors: A sport psychology perspective.

INTRODUCTION: Doctors need to consistently maintain their clinical performance across a range of different situations by managing the stress response provoked by these situations. Six performance-related adaptive and maladaptive psychological characteristics and psychological skills can distinguish between how athletes manage their stress response and consistently maintain an optimal level of performance across a variety of situations. The aim of the study was to understand how the performance-related psychological characteristics and skills identified in athletes are applied by doctors. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative study was conducted with semi-structured interviews. A purposive sample of 10 doctors were interviewed and the data were analysed by template analysis. RESULTS: Doctors have similar performance-related psychological characteristics and skills as identified in athletes for managing their stress response to consistently maintain optimal clinical performance. The importance of maladaptive characteristics was also identified, especially in junior doctors. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this pilot study can be used for informing the design of performance-related educational interventions for doctors to manage their stress response for consistently maintaining optimal clinical performance. An important consideration will need to be a focus on specific groups in their career journey and the development of a multi-dimensional, reflective, and problem-solving approach.

The application of sports psychology in overcoming performance anxiety among italian cyclists

The aim of the research is to determine the applications related to sportspsychology in overcoming performance anxiety among Italian cyclists. Athletes, particularly cyclists, frequently struggle with performance anxiety, which can seriously impair their capacity for peak performance. In this abstract, we investigate the use ofsports psychology strategies designed specially to help Italian cyclists who experience performance anxiety. The research was based on primary data analysis to determine whether it used smart PLS software and generated results that included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient analysis, and the smart PLS Algorithm Model between them. This research study offers a methodical strategy made up of several psychological treatments meant to reduce performance anxiety and enhance performance. It discusses many techniques, including biofeedback, stress management, goal setting, cognitive restructuring, visualization, pre-performance rituals, simulated pressure scenarios, and creating a supportive team atmosphere. By practicing these tactics, Italian riders can acquire the psychological fortitude required to negotiate stressful competition situations successfully. the overall research It is vital to constantly assess and modify treatments to make sure they are efficient and meet the demands of each athlete.Italian cyclists may overcome performance anxiety and reach their full potential on the bike by incorporating sports psychology concepts into their training program, which will help them succeed in national and international contests. (AU)

Verbal Aggressions Against Major League Baseball Umpires Affect Their Decision Making.

Excessively criticizing a perceived unfair decision is considered to be common behavior among people seeking to restore fairness. However, the effectiveness of this strategy remains unclear. Using an ecological environment where excessive criticism is rampant-Major League Baseball-we assess the impact of verbal aggression on subsequent home-plate umpire decision making during the 2010 to 2019 seasons (N = 153,255 pitches). Results suggest a two-sided benefit of resorting to verbal abuse. After being excessively criticized, home-plate umpires (N = 110 adults, employed in the United States) were less likely to call strikes to batters from the complaining team and more prone to call strikes to batters on the opposing team. A series of additional analyses lead us to reject an alternative hypothesis, namely that umpires, after ejecting the aggressor, seek to compensate for the negative consequences brought on by the loss of a teammate. Rather, our findings support the hypothesis that, under certain conditions, verbal aggression may offer an advantage to complainants.

A qualitative analysis of Swedish sport psychology practitioners' experience of a continued professional development program.

Although sport psychology practitioners and researchers acknowledge the importance of continued professional development (CPD) for professional effectiveness and excellence, few studies have explored the influence of CPD activities on the practitioners' practice and thinking. This study examined qualified Swedish sport psychology practitioners' experiences of engaging in a CPD program and how it impacted their professional development. The Swedish Sports Confederation offers a CPD program that targets performance enhancement services and psychotherapy for sport psychology practitioners. We explored the influence of this CPD program on the professional development of 13 graduates (five females; age in years: M = 41.2, SD = 8.3) via semi-structured interviews. Our stance involved a realist ontology and constructionist epistemology. We followed the six-step Reflexive Thematic Analysis procedures to analyze data. We identified four themes of CPD: (1) Critique (participants decided to do the CPD program because of perceived gaps in their knowledge and skills), (2) Change (participants discussed several changes as a result of the CPD program), (3) Context (participants discussed the aspects of the CPD program that promoted change), and (4) Challenge (participants mentioned issues related to having completed the program). The study provides insights into the value of CPD activities for sport psychology practitioners, advances current knowledge on practitioner maturation, and illustrates how CPD fits within a practitioner's lifelong learning. Future research could investigate the professional development of mid-career sport psychology practitioners engaging in other CPD programs to confirm or extend this work.

Relationships influencing organisational culture in men's elite football clubs in Norway.

This paper examines the relationships within and outside organisations that have the leverage to influence culture in the context of men's elite football clubs in Norway. Participants from three clubs held positions as Performance Director (n=2), sport psychology practitioner (n = 3), and physiotherapist (n = 2) and participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on the relationships, tensions, and dynamic organisational forces in their respective clubs. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we developed two overarching themes showing (1) Organisational cultures in time frames and (2) Relationships among stakeholders influencing organisational culture. Developing these themes indicated that an organisational culture is not only a point of arrival, but also a point of departure for future activities. Hence, those charged with organisational culture work must maintain awareness of the influence of a club's history and how it influences dynamic tensions with stakeholders within and outside clubs. It is also critical that cultural practitioners are mindful of players' and staffs' individual journeys, which influence how they self-organise into fluid and temporary subgroups. The findings can sharpen our understanding of working with culture in elite football by emphasising other sources of culture besides leaders' attempts at controlling or steering it in their preferred way. Using the findings provided in this study can help practitioners recognise organisational tensions or slippage towards cultural problems before they lead to traumatic organisational crises.

Linking Perfectionism with Moral Behaviors in Sport: The Mediating Role of Burnout and Moral Disengagement.

Purpose: Research has identified a range of intrapersonal variables associated with moral behaviors in sport. However, research investigating how perfectionism and burnout are associated with prosocial and antisocial behavior toward teammates and opponents in sport has received scant attention. In the present study, we address this issue by examining whether perfectionism is associated with prosocial and antisocial behavior in sport directly and indirectly via burnout and moral disengagement. Method: A total of 312 team sport players completed validated measures for each variable. Results: Path analyses revealed that perfectionistic concerns had a negative relationship with prosocial behavior toward teammates and an indirect positive association with antisocial behavior toward both teammates and opponents via being positively associated with burnout, which in turn, was positively associated with moral disengagement. In contrast, perfectionistic strivings had a positive association with prosocial behavior toward teammates, and an indirect positive association with antisocial behavior toward teammates and opponents via moral disengagement. Conclusion: Our findings offer new insights into how perfectionism and burnout are associated with prosocial and antisocial behavior in sport, as well as highlight the need to consider perfectionistic tendencies and approaches to help reduce burnout and moral disengagement in the regulation of antisocial behavior in sport.

Analysis of the Sports Psychological Profile, Competitive Anxiety, Self-Confidence and Flow State in Young Football Players.

The objective of this study was to analyse the correlations among the sports psychological profile, competitive anxiety, self-confidence and the flow state of young football players. Additionally, potential distinctions based on age category, competitive level and field position were explored. This study included 328 participants divided into two groups: Group 1, 14-15 year olds, and Group 2, 16-18 year olds (M = 15.85; SD = 1.44). Data were collected by using the Psychological Inventory of Sports Execution (IPED), the Revised Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2R) and the Flow State Scale (FSS). The findings revealed positive associations between the sports psychological profile and self-confidence, as well as with the flow state. Conversely, competitive anxiety demonstrated negative relationships with the sports psychological profile, self-confidence and the state of flow. Moreover, superior scores were observed in the analysed variables for the older age category and higher competitive level, with no notable disparities based on field positions. These results underscore the interplay of psychological factors in the performance of football players and underline distinctions among players according to their category (age and level). This emphasises the importance of scrutinising these variables in athletes to comprehend their profiles and enable targeted interventions aimed at enhancing their psychological resources for competitive scenarios.

Co-creating holistic injury prevention training for youth handball: Development of an intervention targeting end-users at the individual, team, and organizational levels.

BACKGROUND: Interventions that are co-created with end-users, and that are informed by behavior change or implementation theories, support implementation in real world settings. However, injury prevention programs for youth athletes have typically been developed by experts with no, or insufficiently described, end-user involvement and without guidance by theories. The aim of the current study was to describe the development of a holistic injury prevention intervention for youth handball targeting end-users at different levels, through using knowledge from end-users and researchers/experts and applying relevant behavior change and implementation theories. METHODS: Knowledge from researchers/experts (sports medicine, sport psychology, handball, physical therapy, strength and conditioning (n = 14)) and end-users (coaches, players, club administrators, n = 16), and applying relevant implementation (Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, CFIR), behavior change (Health Action Process Approach, HAPA) and motivational (Self-Determination Theory, SDT) theories, were used to co-design the intervention. Early end-users (coaches (n = 6), players (n = 3) and a club administrator (n = 1)) were interviewed for initial feedback. RESULTS: The intervention consisted of end-user-targeted information and training that was made available in a specifically developed interactive mobile application with modules for players, coaches, club administrators, and caregivers. Information for all end-users included benefits and principles of physical and psychological injury prevention training, load-management, motivation, and communication. Information about implementation was developed for club administrators specifically. For coaches, training to do with their teams included handball-specific injury prevention exercises (legs, shoulders, core) combined with psychological aspects (motivation, task focus, body awareness) to integrate within warm-up and handball skills training. Training for players included handball-specific multi-joint strength, power, and explosive exercises (legs, shoulders, core) and sport psychology exercises (self-awareness, relaxation, being in the present moment, prevent and handle stress). To support self-management, adoption, and motivation, programs were provided, and players and coaches could change, add, progress the difficulty of exercises, and build their own programs. Initial feedback from early end-users was generally positive. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing an approach where researchers/experts and end-users co-created injury prevention training specifically for youth handball, an intervention was generated that included information and holistic training targeting end-users at the individual (players, caregivers), team (coaches), and organizational (club administrators) levels.

Sport Specialization and Sport Motivation in Middle School-Aged Athletes.

CONTEXT: Sport specialization has been assumed to have psychosocial ramifications for athletes, especially autonomous motivation, which has been associated with continued sport participation. Sport dropout is common in youth athletes, yet it is unknown how sport specialization may affect this population psychosocially. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of sport specialization with autonomous and controlled motivation and amotivation in middle school-aged athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: An anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to athletes via schools, club sports, and social media. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 178 athletes (male = 59%; private school = 51%; grade: sixth = 20%, seventh = 32%, eighth = 48%) completed the questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The questionnaire assessed demographics, sport participation, and motivation using the Youth Behavioral Regulation in Sport Questionnaire. Sport specialization was defined using a modified 3-point scale (low, moderate, or high) and multisport versus single-sport athletes. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze the differences among the types of motivation and specialization levels and between multisport and single-sport athletes. RESULTS: Sport specialization categories were not significantly associated with autonomous motivation, controlled motivation, or amotivation. No significant associations were present between multisport or single-sport athletes and any type of motivation. However, multisport athletes had higher scores for intrinsic motivation, a subscale of autonomous motivation, compared with single-sport athletes (single sport: median = 5.00, 25th-75th quartile = 4.50-5.00; multisport: median = 5.00, 25th-75th quartile = 5.00-5.00; P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Sport motivation did not differ between sport specialization groups in middle school athletes. Dropout from sport is common in this age group but is multifactorial in nature. A lack of sport motivation could be a factor for some athletes, but all specialization groups appeared to have similar outcomes. Our exploratory analysis suggests that clinicians may consider having an open dialogue with single-sport athletes, their parents or guardians, and coaches to ensure that athletes are enjoying their sport.

Cognition in soccer and futsal: evidence of validity of a 4-instrument protocol to assess executive functioning among women athletes.

Evidence suggests that success in sports, especially soccer and futsal are linked to higher levels of executive functioning. Still, the literature does not present a homogeneous set of instruments to measure executive functions, which leads to large variability in results. In this paper, we assembled four already recognised measures to propose a valid 4-instrument protocol to assess executive functions among soccer and futsal athletes. We conducted two studies to validate the proposed protocol. We addressed known-groups validity and latent structure in Study 1 for data collected on 105 female soccer and futsal athletes from elite and lower-division clubs. Findings pointed to partial validity of the protocol - with working memory and inhibition showing the best results. For Study 2, we used performance data from 51 elite female soccer players collected throughout a season of the first division league to assess predictive validity. Our protocol was able to partially replicate previous findings and added new insights on how working memory, processing speed and higher-level executive functions might play different roles for goalscoring and assist-making skills. Specifically, study 1 did not find a significant difference between elite and lower-division athletes in higher-order executive functions as in previous studies, but it did find on visual working memory and inhibitory control which weights towards higher demands of core executive functions. On the other hand, study 2 yielded significant results for processing speed and visual working memory to predict assists among elite soccer players, but not inhibitory control as previous findings suggested. Regardless, the proposed 4-instrument protocol showed adequate criterion and structural validity in both studies.

Psychological Factors That Affect Return to Sport After Surgical Intervention for Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review.

Background: Recent advances have begun to identify the nonphysical factors facilitating successful return to sport (RTS) after shoulder instability surgery, yet little is currently known regarding psychological factors and RTS. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purposes of this study were to (1) identify psychological factors associated with RTS, (2) evaluate the prognostic utility of various psychological factors, and (3) evaluate the available metrics used to assess psychological RTS readiness. It was hypothesized that psychological factors would be identified as critical elements influencing a patient's RTS. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Clinical studies reporting on the psychological determinants of RTS for patients who had surgery for shoulder instability between 1996 and 2022 were identified from MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Demographic, clinical, and psychometric properties were extracted for pooled weighted analysis. Results: Of the 969 studies screened, 24 (2.5%) met inclusion criteria. Overall, 2135 patients were included (mean age, 26.0 years; range, 17.4-35.5 years; 84.7% male). The mean time to RTS was 6.8 months (range, 3.7-11.9 months). There was a 76.3% rate of any RTS; of the 1212 patients who reported level of play at return, 305 (25.2%) were unable to perform at their prior level. Psychological reasons were cited by 85% (n = 360) of patients who did not RTS. Fear of reinjury was the most common reason (n = 154; 42.8%); other psychological factors included lack of confidence (n = 46; 12.8%), anxiety (n = 45; 12.5%), depression (n = 44; 12.2%), psychosocial factors (n = 48; 13.3%), and lack of motivation (n = 23; 6.4%). The Shoulder Instability Return to Sport after Injury, Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Self Report, Degree of Shoulder Involvement in Sports, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia-11, and Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey were reported measures for assessing psychology and RTS. Conclusion: Fear of reinjury was found to be the most commonly reported impediment to RTS. The psychological characteristics identified through this review may be incorporated into future RTS protocols seeking to address resilience and nonphysical factors associated with RTS.

Talent identification and development in an English Premiership rugby union club: the perspectives of players and coaches.

The pathway towards senior professional status in sport is affected by a multitude of factors. An abductive examination of the talent identification and development processes at an English Premiership rugby union (RU) club was undertaken for the present study. Part one examined the perspectives on the selection and development processes of senior academy male players (n = 8), whereas part two explored the perceptions of male coaches (n = 7). A total of three focus groups were used. Three main themes were confirmed by players and coaches: (a) task constraints, (b) performer constraints, and (c) environmental constraints. Specifically, although athletes and coaches believed that performer constraints were highly impactful on players' career in RU, there were inconsistencies surrounding the task and environmental constraints. Despite an indication that three common themes impacted an players path, this preliminary study shows an imbalance in the understanding of some of the key factors perceived to be important for talent progression in the present rugby academy. More research using similar qualitative methods is recommended to better understand the differences in opinions between players and coaches. Meanwhile, practitioners should consider implementing objective and holistic strategies to improve the talent pathway in English RU academies.

The Efficacy of a Mental Skills Training Course for Collegiate Athletes.

CONTEXT: Psychological skills training improves performance in athletes. However, few studies have looked at the efficacy and satisfaction of mental skills training programs for collegiate athletes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate satisfaction of collegiate athletes with a 6-session mental skills course, and to assess changes in mental toughness and coping skills before and after the course. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study following collegiate female athletes through a 6-session mental skills course. SETTING: Division 1 collegiate athletic teams. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: 54 Division I female athletes (mean age =19.8) participated in the program and 42 (77.7 %) completed pre-course assessments, which subsequent evaluations were matched to. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI, range=0-84) and Mental Toughness Index (MTI, range=8-56) assessed coping skills and mental toughness pre-course, immediate post-course and 4-month post course. Satisfaction was assessed on a 10-point scale. RESULTS: For participants with paired pre- and immediate post-course data (n=37, 68.5%), MTI scores improved by a mean 2.6 points (95% CI=1.1-4.1; p=0.001) and ACSI scores improved by a mean 4.0 points (95% CI=0.6-7.4; p=0.02). At four-month follow-up (n=25, 46.2%), no change was detected from pre-course in mean MTI score (p=0.72), but there was a significant increase of 3.4 points in mean ACSI (95% CI=0.4-6.4; p=0.03). Overall satisfaction had a median score of 9/10 (IQR, 8-10) at post-course, and eighteen participants (48.6%) shared positive free-text comments regarding course delivery, content, and impact. No negative feedback was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Mental toughness and coping skills scores significantly improved at post-course assessment, with coping skills scores maintaining their effect at four months. The improvements identified spark the question of the potential impact of mental skills training programs when studied in larger athlete populations or over more sustained periods of time. Athletes reported being highly satisfied with course content and reported overall positive experiences.

Efeitos de uma Intervenção Psicológica no Estresse, Ansiedade, Concentração e Desempenho Físico em Bailarinas / Effects of Psychological Intervention on Stress, Anxiety, Concentration and Physical Performance in Dancers

Bailarinos sofrem pressões por bons desempenhos, tendo em vista que ao nível profissional sua prática é performática e exige resultados. Assim, avaliar e intervir com essa população é necessário. Objetivou-se avaliar os possíveis efeitos de uma intervenção psicológica nos níveis de estresse, ansiedade, concentração e desempenho físico de bailarinas adultas. Participaram do estudo onze bailarinas com idade entre 18 e 23 anos, que competiam nacional e internacionalmente na modalidade Jazz. Foram realizadas 14 sessões com duração média de 50 minutos cada, uma vez por semana. Trabalhou-se com psicoeducação, estabelecimento de metas, controle de estresse, ansiedade, atenção e concentração, entre outros. Por meio de testes específicos (Escala de Percepção de Estresse, Teste de Ansiedade de Competição Esportiva, Teste de Atenção Seletiva e desempenho físico através de banca julgadora), aplicados antes e após a intervenção, percebeu-se melhora da ansiedade e concentração, assim como de aspectos do desempenho físico, como qualidade técnica, tempo musical e performance geral. Ressalta-se a importância do acompanhamento psicológico, desde a avaliação até a intervenção, não apenas para melhorar o desempenho, mas também a saúde e qualidade de vida desta população.

Dancers are pressured by good performances, considering that at a professional level their practice is performative and requires results. Thus, evaluating and intervening with this population is necessary. The aim was to evaluate the possible effects of a psychological intervention on the levels of stress, anxiety, concentration and physical performance of adult dancers. Eleven dancers, aged between 18 and 23 years, who competed nationally and internationally in the Jazz modality, took part in the study. There were 14 weekly sessions with an average duration of 50 minutes each. We worked with psychoeducation, goal setting, stress control, anxiety, attention and concentration, among others. Through the specific tests (Stress Perception Scale, Sports Competition Anxiety Test, Selective Attention Test and physical performance through a judging panel), applied before and after the intervention, an improvement in anxiety and concentration was noticed, through the previously mentioned tests, as well as in aspects of physical performance, such as technical quality, musical time and general performance. The importance of psychological monitoring is emphasized, from evaluation to intervention, not only to improve performance, but also the health and quality of life of this population.