Psychophysiological Responses to Competitive Anxiety, Stress Biomarkers (sCort, sAA), and Performance in Elite Female Basketball Players

Abstract

Background:
This study examined the associations between competitive anxiety, self-confidence, salivary stress biomarkers (salivary cortisol [sCort] and salivary alpha-amylase [sAA]), and performance outcomes in elite female basketball players.

Methods:
In this observational cross-sectional study, 30 elite female basketball players (mean age = 16.4 ± 0.9 years) competing at national and international levels were included. Psychological states were assessed using the Persian version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 Revised (CSAI-2R) approximately 1 hour prior to competition. Saliva samples were collected 30 minutes before competition to measure sCort and sAA. Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine associations and predict performance outcomes.

Results:
Higher levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety were significantly associated with lower free-throw and field-goal percentages and a higher number of turnovers, whereas self-confidence showed the opposite pattern, being positively associated with shooting performance and the assist-to-turnover ratio (ps < .05–.01). Pre-competition sCort and sAA were positively associated with anxiety and negatively associated with self-confidence (ps < .01). Regression analyses indicated that sAA significantly predicted free-throw percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio (ps < .001), self-confidence predicted field-goal percentage (p < .001), and cognitive anxiety together with sCort predicted turnovers (p < .001). Field-goal percentage positively predicted competition outcome, while sAA showed a negative association (ps < .05).

Conclusion:
These findings highlight the importance of integrated psychophysiological monitoring in elite sport. Combined psychological and physiological assessments may support coaches and practitioners in optimizing performance and managing competitive stress in high-level athletes.