Psychological barriers in rowing ergometer performance

Abstract

In high-level competition, analysis of factors that can affect performance is of vital importance. In rowing, indoor rowing is used to assess the level of sport performance of rowers. The assessment tests of the rowing ergometer represent stressful situations for athletes which cause negative reactions that prevent rowers from fully developing their full physical potential. This research was therefore aimed at analyzing the barriers/resistances that influence the performance of rowers and the perception they have of the value of the assessment test, as well as the degree of effectiveness of a psychological intervention program on state anxiety as the main strategy to improve sports performance. Four rowing teams, a total of 27 participants from the youth and absolute category, 19 women and 8 men aged 16-44 years, were selected for the research. Evaluations were performed before and after intervention, and athletes completed before the rowing ergometer assessment test the CPRD, STAI, and SDQ-II questionnaires. During psychological intervention, the Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation technique was applied, and self-instructions were promoted. The results showed the effectiveness of the coping strategies applied for two months, as satisfactory results were achieved in the rowing ergometer assessment test with decreased state anxiety levels (from M = 37.15 to M = 21.67; p =.01) and increased activation levels, physical appearance, importance in the test, and performance. It is concluded that state anxiety is an influential variable in sports performance and that it may be reduced by psychological intervention, thus improving sports performance and other related variables.