Abstract
This study sought to compare the psychophysiological stress responses during an actual
competitive game and a training session in a group of high-level young female tennis
players. 12 players were monitored during one match and a training day (i. e., simulated
match play). Measurements included salivary cortisol (SC), the revised Competitive
Sport Anxiety Inventory, heart rate (HR), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Match
day elicited higher SC levels for losers at all points in time when compared to winners.
All players showed significantly lower SC levels during training when compared to
the match at all points in time except during the evening for winners. Winners of
match and training situations had significantly higher self-confidence and lower cognitive
anxiety and somatic anxiety scores than losers. Heart rate and RPE were significantly
higher for losers only during the match (158.9±8.3 vs. 168±6.7 bpm; 12.9±1.2 vs. 15±0.8,
for losers and winners, respectively). There were moderate to strong correlations
between SC, self-confidence and anxiety scores, and match workload (i. e., HR and
RPE) only during the match day. These results indicate that the interplay between
psychophysiological responses, match workload and outcome was evident only under real
competitive situations.
Key words
psychophysiology - young athletes - tennis - stress - performance - sport physiology
