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Stress Levels in Handball Coaching–Case Study: Preliminary Analysis of the Differences between Training and Match

Author

Listed:
  • Nikola Foretić

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Zoran Nikolovski

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Dora Marić

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
    Sport and Exercise Research Unit, Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Education Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy)

  • Goran Gabrilo

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Damir Sekulić

    (Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia)

  • Damjan Jaksić

    (Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

  • Patrik Drid

    (Faculty of Sport and Physical Education, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia)

Abstract

Stress plays a significant role in competitions and in the training of sports participants, and coaches are no exception. To better cope with stressful situations, close monitoring of coaches’ stress levels before, during, and after training and competitions is recommended. According to studies, the use of cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) as biomarkers for monitoring acute stress is recommended. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare HR, salivary C and AA, and STAI scores before, during, and after handball matches and training sessions. The study examined one professional handball coach, aged 37, in stress markers (salivary cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) concentrations), heart rate (HR), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores in five matches/training sessions in the First Qatar Handball League. Statistical analysis included the calculation of descriptive statistic parameters, Mann–Whitney U test for differences between match–training time points, and the effect size analysis (Cohen’s d) to calculate the magnitude of differences between match–training time points. Presented markers (C and AA) had statistically stronger reactions before, during, and after the matches than the corresponding time points of the training sessions, similar to HR data and STAI scores. Results indicate that, before and during the matches, the analyzed markers of stress increased, which might lead to the conclusion that coaches are more anxious than frightened before and during matches. Thus, stress-coping strategies for handball coaches should be more focused on stress anticipation and anxiety control.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikola Foretić & Zoran Nikolovski & Dora Marić & Goran Gabrilo & Damir Sekulić & Damjan Jaksić & Patrik Drid, 2022. "Stress Levels in Handball Coaching–Case Study: Preliminary Analysis of the Differences between Training and Match," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-11, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:16:p:10251-:d:891167
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ronald J. White & Maurice Averner, 2001. "Humans in space," Nature, Nature, vol. 409(6823), pages 1115-1118, February.
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