File(s) not publicly available
The Effects of Elevated Arousal and Mood on Maximal Strength Performance in Athletes
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 12:44 authored by Perkins, DN, Wilson, GV, Kerr, JHOptimal arousal models contend that high arousal contributes to inhibited athletic performance, whereas there is reversal theory research which indicates that high positive arousal may enhance performance. To test these claims, 22 male and 6 female elite athletes were induced into high arousal telic (goal-directed) and high arousal paratelic (non goal-directed, process focussed) motivational states and tested on a standard hand strength task. Personalized guided imagery techniques and paced breathing were used to change psychological and physiological arousal. Significant increases in strength performance occurred when arousal was high and experienced as pleasant excitement in the paratelic condition (i.e., high positive arousal). Heart rate and other indicators of parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system activity were not found to mediate between psychological arousal and performance. Where athletic performance requires maximal motor strength over a short period, performance benefits of high arousal may be maximized by restructuring motivational state.
History
Publication title
Journal of Applied Sport PsychologyVolume
13Pagination
239-259ISSN
1041-3200Department/School
School of Psychological SciencesPublisher
Taylor & Francis IncPlace of publication
Philadelphia, USARepository Status
- Restricted