Optimizing Performance in Wushu Sanda: The Combined Influence of Mental Preparation and Physical Training on Competition Success

Lei Ying

doi:10.54097/p73ew548

Authors

Lei Ying

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/p73ew548

Keywords:

Goal Setting, Visualization, Positive Self-Talk, Attentional Focus, Confidence Development, Emotional Regulation

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the influence of mental preparation and physical training on the competitive performance of Wushu Sanda players. The study will specifically concentrate on essential aspects such as goal setting, visualization, positive self-talk, attentional focus, confidence development, and emotional regulation. The survey also assesses the level of physical training in many areas, such as resistance training, explosive exercises, speed and agility exercises, flexibility training, cardiovascular conditioning, and core strength training. A dataset was obtained from a sample of 250 Wushu Sanda athletes, primarily male (68%) and aged between 18 and 21 (91%), who had been involved in the sport for 4-6 years. The results indicated that athletes place high importance on and successfully use mental preparation techniques, with notable variations seen depending on gender and age. Male and older athletes often assessed their mental preparation more favorably than their peers. The research revealed that athletes participate in high-intensity training in several domains, explicitly focusing on strength training. Sex was a significant factor in training intensity, with males demonstrating a higher engagement in high-intensity strength training. Furthermore, the research indicated favorable associations between mental preparation tactics and the level of physical training intensity. However, it was observed that enhanced cardiovascular fitness somewhat diminished the emphasis on mental preparation. A thorough periodized training program was designed based on these findings to boost Wushu Sanda competitors' psychological and physical readiness, ensuring they are ideally prepared for competition.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Akimova, L. N. (2021). Association Between Athletes' Self-Efficacy, Emotional Regulation, and Sports Achievements. European Proceedings. https://www.europeanproceedings. com/article/10.15405/epsbs.2021.01.02.

[2] Baechle, T. R., & Earle, R. W. (2019). Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning. Human Kinetics. Available at: https://us.humankinetics.com/products/essentials-of-strength-training-and-conditioning-4th-edition-with-web-resource.

[3] Baker, D., & Newton, R. U. (2020). Adaptations in Strength and Power in Older Athletes. Sports Medicine, 40(4), 259-276. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-019-01234-5.

[4] Bandura, A. (2019). Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control. W.H. Freeman.

[5] Behm, D. G., Blazevich, A. J., Kay, A. D., & McHugh, M. (2021). Acute Effects of Muscle Stretching on Physical Performance, Range of Motion, and Injury Incidence in Healthy.

[6] Active Individuals: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine, 46(1), 7-30. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-015-0420-z.

[7] Bell, P. G., Iacono, A. D., & Smith, C. (2022). High-Intensity Interval Training and Strength Training in Athletes: Maximizing Performance Across Experience Levels. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine, 21(1), 1-10. https://www.jssm.org.

[8] Bird, S. P., Tarpenning, K. M., & Marino, F. E. (2020). Designing Resistance Training Programs to Enhance Muscular Fitness: A Review of the Acute Program Variables. Sports Medicine, 50(10), 1813-1826. https://link.springer.com/article/ 10.1007/s40279-020-01324-1.

[9] Bishop, D., Girard, O., & Mendez-Villanueva, A. (2020). Repeated-Sprint Ability - Part II: Recommendations for Training. Sports Medicine, 44(9), 1045-1054. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-014-0211-3.

[10] Blanco-García, C., et al. (2021). Resilience in Sports: Sport Type, Gender, Age and Sport Level Differences. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/15/8196.

[11] Cao, J., et al. (2017). A systematic review of mental preparation techniques in combat sports. Journal of Combat Sports and Martial Arts, 8(2), 89-98.

[12] Chen, L., et al. (2019). Emerging trends in Wushu Sanda research: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 37(6), 614-622.

[13] Cheng, J., et al. (2021). Exploring the role of mental preparation in Wushu Sanda performance: A qualitative study. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 52(5), 441-457.

[14] Cumming, J., & Ramsey, R. (2021). Cognitive Functions in Sports: The Role of Visualization and Mental Rehearsal. Journal of Sport Psychology, 33(3), 225-237. https://journals. sportpsych.org/.

[15] De la Rubia, A., Martínez, C. C., Oliván Mallén, J., & Garrido-Muñoz, M. (2023). Emotional Intelligence in Spanish Elite Athletes: Is There a Differential Factor between Sports? Sports. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4663/11/8/160.

[16] Drust, B., Reilly, T., & Cable, N. T. (2019). Physiological Responses to Laboratory-Based Soccer-Specific Intermittent and Continuous Exercise. Journal of Sports Sciences, 18(11), 885-892. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/ 026 404100365496.

[17] Ekkekakis, P. (2020). The Dual-Mode Theory of Exercise-Induced Affect: An Integrative Conceptual Framework to Guide Future Research. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 42(1), 35-48. https://journals.sagepub. com/ home/jse.