Psychophysiological states of elite athletes after critical life events

Ivanna Korobeinikova; Oleg Kokun; Markus Raab; Lesia Korobeinikova; Georgiy Korobeynikov; Vasil Kostiuchenko; Viktor Aksutin; Nataliia Dekha

doi:10.15561/26649837.2024.0208

Authors

Ivanna Korobeinikova Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1662-8006
Oleg Kokun Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1793-8540
Markus Raab German Sport University Cologne https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6546-1666
Lesia Korobeinikova National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8648-316X
Georgiy Korobeynikov National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1097-4787
Vasil Kostiuchenko National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5562-760X
Viktor Aksutin National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2232-2759
Nataliia Dekha National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6235-8652

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15561/26649837.2024.0208

Keywords:

psychophysiological states, elite athletes, critical life events, fencers, war, Ukraine

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. Military conflicts are a stress factor that provokes negative changes in the mental state of people. But, how susceptible are athletes to post-traumatic disorders at the level of psychophysiological functions? The purpose is to study the psychophysiological state of the elite athletes after critical life events related to the war in Ukraine. Material and Methods. Twelve elite female fencers, aged 18-23 years and members of the National Team of Ukraine, were examined. Their mental condition was assessed using the Lüscher color test, neurodynamic functions were evaluated with an anticipation test, cognitive characteristics through a decision-making test, and levels of anxiety were also measured. The psychophysiological state of the fencers was studied both before and after six months of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine. Results. The results indicated changes in the mental state of fencers under military conditions. Six months after the onset of the war, elite fencers exhibited signs of mental stress and a decreased resistance to stress. According to the obtained results, during the war, athletes showed a predominance of excitation processes over inhibition processes. The study revealed a deterioration in performance on decision-making tests and a decreased ability to perceive visual information in fencers six months into the war. As a compensatory mechanism for the reduced ability to process visual stimuli under conditions of information overload, a decrease in impulsivity among fencers was observed. Research on anxiety demonstrated that, over the six months of war compared to peacetime, trait anxiety among athletes significantly increased. Conclusions. Significant impacts of military actions on the psychophysiological state of elite athletes have been observed. This deterioration in mental state, along with decreases in neurodynamic and cognitive functions and an increase in personal anxiety levels, calls for the development and implementation of specialized psychological support programs. Such programs should aim to bolster athletes' resilience to stressful situations. The importance of accounting for psychophysiological aspects in the training of athletes within conflict zones is underscored, providing a basis for further research in this field.

Author Biographies

Ivanna Korobeinikova, Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine

ivannakorobeynikova@gmail.com; Laboratory of Age-Related Psychophysiology (Kyiv, Ukraine); Institute of Psychology, German Sport University Cologne (Cologne, Germany).

Oleg Kokun, Kostiuk Institute of Psychology of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine

eryfhj@gmail.com; Laboratory of Age-Related Psychophysiology; Kyiv, Ukraine.

Markus Raab, German Sport University Cologne

Raab@dshs-koeln.de; Institute of Psychology; Cologne, Germany.

Lesia Korobeinikova, National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport

korlesia.66@gmail.com; Department of Sports Psychology and Pedagogy, Uzbek State University of Physical Education and Sports (Tashkent region, Chirchik, Uzbekistan); (Kyiv, Ukraine).

Georgiy Korobeynikov, National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport

k.george.65.w@gmail.com; Department of Theory and Methodology of International Wrestling, Uzbek State University of Physical Education and Sports (Tashkent region, Chirchik, Uzbekistan); (Kyiv, Ukraine).

Vasil Kostiuchenko, National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport

kosstiuchenko71@gmail.com; Department of Combat Sports and Power Sports; Kyiv, Ukraine.

Viktor Aksutin, National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport

aksutin68@gmail.com; Department of Combat Sports and Power Sports; Kyiv, Ukraine.

Nataliia Dekha, National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport

natadekha@gmail.com; Department of Combat Sports and Power Sports; Kyiv, Ukraine.

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