Exploring the impact of biomechanics on stress management and mental toughness during competitive sports events
Abstract
Biomechanics plays a crucial role in optimizing athletic performance while mitigating physiological and cognitive stress in competitive sports. Stress-induced biomechanical inefficiencies contribute to movement instability, increased injury risk, and reduced mental resilience. However, limited research has integrated biomechanical, physiological, and neurophysiological assessments to provide a comprehensive analysis of stress adaptation in elite athletes. This study aims to quantitatively assess the impact of biomechanics on stress management and mental toughness using an integrated multi-modal approach. Specifically, it examines the relationship between movement efficiency, physiological stress markers, and cognitive load in high-performance sports. Three advanced measurement techniques were employed: (i) 3D Motion Capture and Force Plate Analysis to evaluate movement precision and force asymmetry; (ii) Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Cortisol Quantification to assess autonomic nervous system regulation under stress; and (iii) EEG and fNIRS-Based Mental Load Measurement to analyze cognitive workload and neural adaptations. Data were collected under baseline, moderate stress, and high-stress conditions. Findings revealed a 44.4% decline in biomechanical efficiency, a 56.3% reduction in HRV-based autonomic regulation, and a 52.9% increase in cognitive workload under high-stress conditions. Increased joint angle variability, force asymmetry, cortisol elevation, and EEG beta power shifts were key indicators of stress-induced performance deterioration. The results underscore the necessity of integrating biomechanical optimization, stress management protocols, and cognitive resilience training in athlete development. This study highlights the interconnected nature of movement biomechanics, physiological stress regulation, and neurocognitive resilience. Future research should explore predictive modeling and real-time monitoring to enhance individualized stress-adaptive training strategies.
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