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State-trait anxiety and motocross performance | JoVE Visualize

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State-trait anxiety and motocross performance

C A DeMojà, G DeMojà

Perceptual and Motor Skills|February 1, 1986

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Lower state anxiety correlated with better motocross performance. While trait anxiety showed no significant link to performance, understanding athlete anxiety is key for sports psychology interventions.

Area of Science:

Sports Psychology
Sport Performance Psychology

Background:

State-trait anxiety theory suggests lower anxiety benefits performance on difficult tasks.
Motocross, a high-difficulty sport, provides a unique context to test these psychological predictions.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between state and trait anxiety and performance in motocross riders.
To test the hypothesis that lower anxiety levels correlate with superior performance in a demanding athletic event.

Main Methods:

Analyzed the finish rank of 32 male motocross riders (aged 16-27) in a national Italian competition.
Measured state and trait anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.
Correlated anxiety scores with competition performance (rank order).

Main Results:

A significant negative correlation was found between state anxiety and motocross performance.
State and trait anxiety scores were negatively correlated.
No significant correlation was observed between trait anxiety and performance.

Conclusions:

State anxiety, but not trait anxiety, appears to influence performance in high-level motocross competition.
Findings support the application of anxiety management strategies in sports psychology for athletes.
Further research in elite sports is recommended to refine anxiety control interventions.

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State-trait Anxiety And Motocross Performance