Research article - (2017)16, 498 - 504
Influence of Competitive-Anxiety on Heart Rate Variability in Swimmers
Leonardo S. Fortes1,, Bruna D. V. da Costa1, Pedro P. Paes1, José R.A. do Nascimento Júnior2, Lenamar Fiorese3, Maria E.C. Ferreira4
1Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
2Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Brazil
3Graduate Program of Physical Education, State University of Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
4Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Brazil

Leonardo S. Fortes
✉ Graduate Program of Physical Education, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
Email: leodesousafortes@hotmail.com
Received: 14-06-2017 -- Accepted: 15-09-2017
Published (online): 01-12-2017

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between competitive anxiety and heart rate variability (HRV) in swimming athletes. A total of 66 volunteers (41 male and 27 female) who swam the 400-m freestyle in the Brazilian Swimming Championships participated. Thirty minutes before the 400-m freestyle event, the athletes answered the Competitive Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2R) questionnaire, then underwent anthropometric (body weight, height, and skinfold thickness) and HRV measurements. Then, at a second meeting, held 3 h after the 400-m freestyle event, the athletes returned to the evaluation room for HRV measurement (Polar® RS800cx, Kempele, Finland). Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between competitive anxiety and HRV. The multiple linear regression was performed in three blocks (block 1: cognitive anxiety, block 2: somatic anxiety, and block 3: self-confidence), adopting the forward model. The results indicated a significant association between cognitive anxiety (p = 0.001) and HRV. An increased magnitude of the association was observed when somatic anxiety was inserted in the model (p = 0.001). In contrast, self-confidence showed, which was inserted in block 3, no relationship with HRV (p = 0.27). It was concluded that cognitive and somatic anxieties were associated with the HRV of swimmers. Athletes with a high magnitude of cognitive and/or somatic anxiety demonstrated more significant autonomic nervous system disturbance. Practically, psychological interventions are needed to improve anxiety states that are specific to perform well, and to improve HRV.

Key words: Athletes, sport psychology, anxiety, swimming

Key Points
  • The level of competitive-anxiety can predict HRV’s response after competition in young swimming athletes.
  • Young swimming athletes who demonstrate higher competitive-anxiety, may present high autonomic nervous system disorder, which can be evaluated by HRV.
  • Coaches are encouraged to periodically evaluate the competitive-anxiety of young swimming athletes.








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