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; ŋ2p = 0.27) or self-confidence (F(2.07; 18.85) = 15.875 p = 0.152; ŋ2p = 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.

Variabilidade dos níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva ao longo de uma competição: estudo de caso com o basquetebol / Variability of pvariability of pre-competitive anxiety levels during a competition: a case study with basketball

O presente manuscrito teve o objetivo de avaliar a variabilidade dos níveis de ansiedade pré-competitiva de atletas de Basquetebol ao longo de uma competição, utilizando-se de um estudo de caso. Para isso, acompanhou-se uma pequena amostra de um clube, que foi escolhida por conveniência. O estudo foi composto por 27 atletas de Basquetebol das categorias de base do clube, com idade entre 13 e 15 anos (M = 14,00, DP ± 0,733) e todos do sexo masculino, pertencentes a duas categorias da base: sub-15 e sub-14, que eram treinados pela mesma comissão técnica. Os atletas participaram do estudo de forma voluntária. Os participantes preencheram o termo de assentimento, pois todos eram menores de idade, e seus responsáveis preencheram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. Após essa etapa, todos os atletas responderam ao CSAI-2r, o qual foi respondido em seis jogos ao longo do campeonato, sendo o primeiro jogo a estreia das equipes e o sexto jogo a final da competição. No presente estudo, como não houve normalidade dos dados, utilizou -se de testes não paramétricos para análises dos resultados. Os resultados demonstraram que não houve diferenças entre as equipes, para nenhuma variável e jogo avaliado (p>0,05). Os atletas investigados apresentaram, durante toda a competição, elevados níveis de autoconfiança e baixos níveis de ansiedade (somática e cognitiva) (p<0,05 em todos os jogos). Além disso, no decorrer da competição os atletas conseguiram, diminuir os níveis de ansiedade somática (p<0,05). Por fim, pode-se concluir que os atletas investigados não apresentaram elevados níveis de ansiedade, pois a autoconfiança foi significativamente (p<0,05) superior, e apresentaram variabilidade apenas para ansiedade somática (p<0,05) ao long. (AU)

The present manuscript aimed to assess the variability of the pre-competitive anxiety levels of Basketball athletes throughout a competition, using a case study. For this, a small sample of a club was followed, which was chosen for convenience. The study consisted of 27 basketball athletes from the club's grassroots categories, aged between 13 and 15 years (M = 14,00, DP ± 0,733) old and all male, belonging to two categories of the base: sub-15 and sub-14, who were trained by the same technical committee. The athletes participated in the study voluntarily. The participants filled out the consent form, since all were minors, and their guardians filled out the free and informed consent form. After this stage, all athletes responded to CSAI-2r, which was answered in six games throughout the championship, the first game being the teams' debut and the sixth game the final of the competition. In the present study, as there was no normality of the data , non-parametric tests were used to analyze the results. The results showed that there were no differences between the teams, for any variable the game evaluated (p>0,05). The investigated athletes presented, throughout the competition, high levels of self-confidence and low levels of anxiety (somatic and cognitive) (p<0,05 in all games). In addition, during the competition, the athletes were able to reduce the levels of somatic anxiety (p <0,05). Finally, it can be concluded that the investigated athletes did not show high levels of anxiety, as their self-confidence was significantly (p <0.05) higher, and showed variability only for somatic anxiety (p <0.05) throughout the competition (decreased scores), given that cognitive anxiety and self-confidence did not show variability throughout the competition (p> 0.05). (AU)

Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2.

Competitive anxiety (CA) is an emotional reaction manifested at a somatic and/or cognitive level that regularly appears before or during sports competitions and can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Given the scarcity of validated instruments available for evaluating the competitive-anxiety trait in the Brazilian context, this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2). The study sample was composed of 238 professional and amateur athletes aged 13 years or older who practice different sports modalities. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed adequate fit indices of the original three-factor theoretical model of the SAS-2 after including a correlation between the errors for items 6 and 12 of the somatic anxiety subscale (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.08, WRMR = 1.04). For convergent and divergent validity, the SAS-2 subscales exhibited a positive and strong correlations with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R; r = 0.52-0.82), weak to moderate correlations with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - only the trait scale (STAI-T; r = 0.49-0.59), weak correlations with the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN; r = 0.29-0.41) and weak to moderate correlations with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; r = 0.49-0.56). The SAS-2 was also able to discriminate among participants with and without social anxiety, general trait anxiety and depressive symptoms, thus confirming its discriminant validity. According to ROC curve analysis, the cutoff point at a score of 29 indicated the optimal balance of sensitivity (0.74) and specificity (0.82). The internal consistency (α = 0.73-0.86) and the test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73-0.80) were satisfactory. These results indicated that the Brazilian version of the SAS-2 exhibited satisfactory psychometric performance and could be used in the Brazilian context.

Associations between competitive anxiety, athlete characteristics and sport context: evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background: There is a vast literature investigating the possible associations between competitive anxiety, athlete variables and sports context. As far as we are concerned, there is no study which has compiled such findings to produce more robust evidence on this topic. Objectives: The aim of the study was to conduct an exploratory systematic review of the literature followed by a meta-analysis in order to investigate possible associations between competitive anxiety, social-demographic characteristics, profile of the athlete and sports context. Methods: Systematic searches of PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Lilacs and SciELO electronic databases were performed to identify studies published between January 2006 and January 2018, including a manual search in the references of the selected studies. Results: A total of 59 studies were included for qualitative synthesis and 27 for meta-analysis. More robust associations were observed between competitive anxiety and female gender, lower age, and less experience time. Discussion: Knowing the variables which exert influence on competitive anxiety can be relevant to plan specific treatment and intervention programs, enabling the athlete's development beyond technical and physical preparation.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) for the Brazilian context / Adaptação transcultural da Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) para o contexto brasileiro

Abstract Objective To present the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) for the Brazilian context. Method The following stages were used: translation into Brazilian Portuguese by independent translators, elaboration of a synthesis version, back-translation, evaluation by experts and pretest with target population. Results All the stages of cross-cultural adaptation were completed, and in the majority of items evaluated, good concordance between experts was obtained (≥ 80%). Suggested adjustments were compiled into the consensus version by the two authors, with the resulting material being considered adequate in the pretest (and thus no further changes were needed). Termed as "Escala de Ansiedade Esportiva-2," the final version was considered by the main author of the original scale as an official version in Brazilian Portuguese. Conclusions In view of the fulfilment of all steps suggested for the cross-cultural adaptation process, the SAS-2 is now available in Brazilian Portuguese to be tested for its psychometric qualities.

Resumo Objetivo Apresentar o processo de adaptação transcultural da Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2) para o contexto brasileiro. Método Os seguintes estágios foram utilizados: tradução para o português do Brasil por tradutores independentes, elaboração da versão síntese, retrotradução, avaliação de equivalência por especialistas e pré-teste na população-alvo. Resultados Todos os estágios do processo de adaptação transcultural foram respeitados, e, na maioria das estruturas avaliadas, obteve-se porcentagem de concordância satisfatória entre os especialistas (≥ 80%). Os ajustes sugeridos foram compilados pelas duas autoras na versão de consenso, e o material foi considerado adequado no pré-teste, não havendo necessidade de mais modificações. Nomeada "Escala de Ansiedade Esportiva-2", foi considerada pelo autor principal da escala original como a versão oficial em português do Brasil. Conclusão Mediante cumprimento de todas as etapas sugeridas para o processo de adaptação transcultural, a SAS-2 está disponível em português brasileiro para ser testada quanto às suas qualidades psicométricas.

Influence of competition playing venue on the hormonal responses, state anxiety and perception of effort in elite basketball athletes.

This study examined the influence of competition playing venue on the hormonal responses, state anxiety and perception of effort in elite basketball players. Eighteen males from two basketball teams were monitored during two competitive matches that were played against each other on a home and away basis. Salivary testosterone (T) and cortisol (C) concentrations were measured before and after each match. The Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) test was also administrated prior to each match and session ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were taken post-game. Playing at home was accompanied by elevated pre-match T concentration, as compared to playing away (p<0.05). The matches played at home were also won. Salivary T and C concentrations were similarly elevated across the matches (percent changes from pre to post) played either at home or away. No significant differences in state anxiety and perception of effort were identified between the playing venues. Pre-match T and C concentrations and the percent changes in these hormones were significantly related to somatic anxiety, especially when playing at home (p<0.05). In conclusion, the competition playing venue appeared to influence athlete salivary hormonal responses prior to elite basketball matches. These hormonal responses were associated with player's anxiety state, which might contribute to performance and the eventual match outcomes.

Propriedades psicométricas do CSAI-2 em atletas brasileiros / Psychometric properties of the CSAI-2 in Brazilian athletes

O propósito do estudo foi examinar a confiabilidade, evidências de validade fatorial, invariância (por género, tipo de esporte e nível competitivo) e evidências de validade convergente do CSAI-2. A amostra total foi composta de 375 atletas (284 do sexo masculino e 91 do sexo feminino). Para as evidências de validade convergente, a amostra foi constituída de 163 atletas (115 do sexo masculino e 48 do sexo feminino). Os atletas responderam aos instrumentos (CSAI-2 e versão reduzida do IDATE) uma hora antes do início das competições. Os resultados revelaram confiabilidade (α > 0,70) e bons índices de ajustamento (CFI = 0,959, GFI = 0,942 e RMSEA = 0,044) para o modelo reduzido de 17 itens (CSAI-2R). A invariância e as evidencias de validade convergente foram suportadas. A versão brasileira reduzida do CSAI-2 revelou boas propriedades psicométricas, sustentando a sua utilização em atletas brasileiros...

The purpose of the study was to examine the reliability, factorial validity evidence, invariance (by gender, type of sport and competitive level) and evidence of convergent validity of the CSAI-2. The total sample consisted of 375 athletes (284 males and 91 females). For evidence of convergent validity, the sample consisted of 163 athletes (115 males and 48 females). The athletes responded to the instruments (CSAI-2 and reduced version of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI) an hour before starting competitions. The results showed reliability (α > .70) and good indices of fit (CFI = .959, GFI = .942 and RMSEA = .044) for the reduced model of 17 items (CSAI-2R). The invariance and the evidence of convergent validity were supported. The Brazilian reduced version of CSAI-2 showed good psychometric properties, supporting its use in Brazilian athletes...

Propriedades psicométricas do CSAI-2 em atletas brasileiros / Psychometric properties of the CSAI-2 in Brazilian athletes

O propósito do estudo foi examinar a confiabilidade, evidências de validade fatorial, invariância (por género, tipo de esporte e nível competitivo) e evidências de validade convergente do CSAI-2. A amostra total foi composta de 375 atletas (284 do sexo masculino e 91 do sexo feminino). Para as evidências de validade convergente, a amostra foi constituída de 163 atletas (115 do sexo masculino e 48 do sexo feminino). Os atletas responderam aos instrumentos (CSAI-2 e versão reduzida do IDATE) uma hora antes do início das competições. Os resultados revelaram confiabilidade (α > 0,70) e bons índices de ajustamento (CFI = 0,959, GFI = 0,942 e RMSEA = 0,044) para o modelo reduzido de 17 itens (CSAI-2R). A invariância e as evidencias de validade convergente foram suportadas. A versão brasileira reduzida do CSAI-2 revelou boas propriedades psicométricas, sustentando a sua utilização em atletas brasileiros.(AU)

The purpose of the study was to examine the reliability, factorial validity evidence, invariance (by gender, type of sport and competitive level) and evidence of convergent validity of the CSAI-2. The total sample consisted of 375 athletes (284 males and 91 females). For evidence of convergent validity, the sample consisted of 163 athletes (115 males and 48 females). The athletes responded to the instruments (CSAI-2 and reduced version of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory - STAI) an hour before starting competitions. The results showed reliability (α > .70) and good indices of fit (CFI = .959, GFI = .942 and RMSEA = .044) for the reduced model of 17 items (CSAI-2R). The invariance and the evidence of convergent validity were supported. The Brazilian reduced version of CSAI-2 showed good psychometric properties, supporting its use in Brazilian athletes.(AU)