Exploring the correlation between psychological indicators and professional sports performance athletes through...

This study examines the relationship between psychological indicators and performance outcomes, and explored changes in motor performance during a training period incorporating virtual reality (VR)-based components. The sample consisted of 100 student boxers (65 men and 35 women) aged 18 years or over. A single-group pre-post design was employed over a six-month training period. Data were collected using standardised psychological measures and sports-specific performance tests. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression modelling and paired comparisons. The results revealed strong correlations among psychological variables, such as depression, anxiety, and overall mental health (r up to 0.76, p < 0.001). However, the associations between these variables and performance outcomes, as measured by the Sports Achievement Score (SAS), were weak and largely non-significant. Regression models showed limited explanatory power (R² = 0.031-0.080), and psychological variables did not emerge as significant predictors. Significant improvements in motor performance were observed in both hands over the training period (p < 0.001), with moderate effect sizes. However, due to the lack of a control group, it is not possible to attribute these changes specifically to VR training. A small but statistically significant correlation was found between the VR-related variable and anxiety (r = 0.23, p = 0.022). In conclusion, while psychological variables were internally consistent, they showed limited direct relevance for short-term performance outcomes in this sample. Performance improvements were observed during a structured training period that included VR components; however, causal conclusions regarding the effectiveness of VR cannot be drawn. These findings should be interpreted as exploratory and warrant further investigation using controlled study designs.