| Exploring the Paradox Between Muscular Relaxation and Competitive Readiness |
| Paper ID : 1200-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
zeynab bahrami * Assistant Professor, Department of Behavior and Cognitive Sciences in Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Athletic performance often requires a delicate balance between physical readiness and mental calmness (1). Athletes face a paradox before competition: while muscular relaxation is promoted to reduce anxiety and improve focus, a certain level of physiological arousal is essential for optimal performance. Understanding how athletes can simultaneously achieve relaxation and readiness is critical for sport psychology interventions. This study explores this paradox and examines the role of optimal arousal in mediating the relationship between muscular relaxation and competitive readiness. Methods: University athletes will participate in a mixed-method study. Self-report measures of competitive anxiety and performance readiness will be collected, and surface electromyography (EMG) will assess muscular tension before competition-like tasks (2). Correlational and mediation analyses will be conducted to investigate how levels of arousal affect the relationship between muscular relaxation and performance outcomes (3). Results: It is hypothesized that moderate levels of arousal will be associated with the highest performance outcomes. Excessive relaxation may reduce readiness, whereas excessive tension may increase competitive anxiety and impair performance. The study expects to identify an optimal arousal zone where athletes can achieve both mental calmness and physical preparedness. Conclusion: Findings will contribute to understanding the psychophysiological mechanisms underlying pre-competition performance. Insights from this study can guide coaches and sport psychologists in designing interventions that balance relaxation and activation, thereby maximizing both focus and physical readiness. The study integrates theories such as the Yerkes–Dodson Law and IZOF model to offer practical strategies for optimal performance. |
| Keywords |
| Muscular relaxation; Competitive readiness; Optimal arousal; Athletic performance; Pre-competition anxiety; Sport psychology |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
