Abstract

Competitive sports involve rigorous training regimens aimed at peak performance during critical events such as national championships. This study investigates psycho-physiological responses at the onset of the national championship phase within the micro cycle of training among elite athletes. Participants (N = XX) consisted of elite athletes preparing for a national championship. Psychophysiological measures including heart rate variability (HRV), cortisol levels, and subjective assessments of perceived stress and readiness were collected at the beginning of the championship micro cycle. Data were compared with baseline measures obtained during a prior preparatory phase. Preliminary results indicate significant variations in psychophysiological responses at the onset of the championship phase. Athletes demonstrated elevated sympathetic nervous system activation, evidenced by decreased HRV and altered cortisol levels, suggesting heightened physiological arousal and stress response. Concurrently, subjective reports revealed mixed perceptions of readiness, with some athletes reporting heightened readiness and focus while others indicated increased stress levels.

These findings underscore the dynamic interplay between physiological readiness and psychological stress during the critical juncture of competitive preparation. Understanding these early-phase responses is crucial for optimizing training strategies and psychological interventions aimed at enhancing athlete performance and well-being leading up to key competitive events. Further research is warranted to explore longitudinal trends throughout the micro cycle and the effectiveness of intervention strategies in mitigating stress and optimizing performance outcomes. By refining our understanding of psycho-physiological responses during championship preparation, coaches, sports psychologists, and athletes can collaboratively enhance training methodologies to achieve peak performance in competitive sports. This abstract outlines a study focused on the psycho-physiological responses of elite athletes at the beginning of a national championship phase within their training micro cycle, highlighting the implications for performance optimization and psychological support in sports.