Jumping with control: the interplay between psychological constructs and run-up variability in elite jumpers

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Psychology
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Understanding the psychological factors influencing athletic performance is crucial for optimizing training and competition strategies.
• Run-up variability is a key determinant of success in horizontal jumps, yet its relationship with psychological states remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the link between psychological aspects (emotional regulation, self-control, mood, stress) and run-up variability in horizontal jumps.
• To compare these relationships based on athlete sex, event type (long jump, triple jump), and context (training vs. competition).

Main Methods:

• 10 elite horizontal jumpers (5 male, 5 female) participated.
• Psychological assessments included mood, emotional regulation, self-control, and perceived stress.
• Run-up variability was analyzed via video during training and competition sessions.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in psychological traits or run-up variability between long and triple jumpers.
• Females reported higher tension and depression; males exhibited higher run-up speed and vigor.
• Competition conditions led to increased vigor, reduced fatigue/confusion, earlier adjustment phase onset, and higher run-up speed compared to training.

Conclusions:

• Long and triple jumpers share similar psychological and run-up characteristics, suggesting unified training approaches.
• Sex-specific interventions are needed, particularly emotion regulation for female jumpers to manage depression.
• Training should incorporate competition-like demands to enhance the run-up adjustment phase.