Influência de variáveis psicofisiológicas no desempenho de atletas de esportes de combate: uma análise comparativa entre vencedores e derrotados

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of psychophysiological measures on the competitive outcomes of combat sport athletes by comparing indicators before and after competition between winners (n = 12) and losers (n = 9) of the Copa Governador Valadares. Physiological (heart rate and blood lactate), anthropometric, and emotional variables were assessed, the latter using the Sport Emotion Questionnaire (SEQ). No significant differences were observed in the physiological variables between the groups (p ≥ 0.05), although differences were noted between the collection moments. In contrast, significant differences were found in emotional variables between winners and losers in emotions associated with the competition: sadness (F1,29 = 26.126; p = 0.000), anger (F1,29 = 10.518; p = 0.004), and joy (F1,29 = 8.782; p = 0.008). In the “performance” dimension, differences were found for anxiety (F1,19 = 8.634; p = 0.008), sadness (F1,19 = 4.921; p = 0.039), anger (F1,19 = 8.067; p = 0.010), excitement (F1,19 = 7.794; p = 0.012), and joy (F1,19 = 15.813; p = 0.001). Outcome correlations indicated that anger prior to competition was negatively associated with victory. Post- competition, sadness and anger showed negative correlations with winning, while joy, anxiety, and excitement were inversely correlated with losing. Additionally, emotional deltas revealed significant correlations: sadness during competition was negatively correlated with victory (r = -0.651; p = 0.001), whereas joy had a positive correlation (r = 0.476; p = 0.013). In the performance dimension, sadness (r = -0.424; p = 0.025), anger (r = -0.432; p = 0.024), and joy (r = 0.437; p = 0.022) were also associated with the outcome. These findings suggest that, despite similar physiological responses, emotional aspects significantly distinguished the competitive performance of the athletes.