Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
Physiological and psychological responses to coaching: An exploratory case report from professional Australian rules
Mark L Watsford1, Adam T Trama1, Yael J Grasko2
1Human Performance Research Centre, School of Sport, Exercise & Rehabilitation; Faculty of Health; University of Technology Sydney, Cnr Moore Park Rd and Driver Ave, Moore Park, NSW 2021, Australia.
Abstract:
Coaching professional sport is stressful, yet there is little information detailing the physiological and psychological responses of coaches during match-play. This case report examined physiological and psychological alterations when coaching professional Australian Rules football. One experienced head coach was monitored for heart rate, stress-related hormones and psychological stress before, during and after seven matches. Heart rate fluctuated during match-play, with locomotion during match breaks contributing to elevated values. Stress hormones did not change, while the psychological questionnaire revealed differences in perceptions of accomplishment, success, recovery and stress related to match outcome. This case report indicated substantial elevations in heart rate while coaching professional football and furthermore, differences in psychological outcomes from winning or losing suggests the need to develop contextualised recovery and coping strategies. With coaching eliciting alterations to physical and psychological markers in this case, confirmatory research with larger cohorts should examine cardiovascular health and well-being strategies in coaches.
Related Concept Videos
Social Facilitation
Psychological Responses to Stress
Physiology of Emotion
Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in emotional responses by regulating involuntary physiological functions. It consists of two main components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system...
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Robbers Cave
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

