Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Anxiety and Performance of Javelin Thrower
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52633/ssper.v3i1.37Keywords:
Aerobic Exercise, Anxiety, Javelin Throwers, PerformanceAbstract
This study aims to investigate the impact of an 8-week aerobic exercise intervention on the mental health (anxiety) and performance of professional javelin throwers from the Faisalabad National Athletic Club. The inclusion criteria were met by 20 athletes participating in the javelin-throwing events, who took part in the intervention. In the present study, exercise served as an intervention by putting the experimental group (n = 10) while the control group (n=10) served as a benchmark. The study used pre-tests on the mental health variable (anxiety), before 8 weeks of aerobic exercise training for four non-consecutive days a week. The control group practiced as usual. At the end of 8 weeks, a post-test was conducted. Mental health variables were evaluated with standardized questionnaires (Hamilton Anxiety Scale). The demographic factors studied among participants included the level of participation (club, national, international), experience levels at a particular time duration, residency area (urban or rural), and academic qualification & athletic background. The purpose of this study was to develop an in-depth understanding of the various characteristics exhibited by elite javelin throwers that could help to inform how aerobic exercise might affect mental health and ultimately change their performance. In conclusion, it is evidenced that aerobic exercise helps to reduce the anxiety of professional athletes as well as benefits in the javelin throw performance, but this study critically points out the overall effects on mental health. The present findings have relevance for practitioners, coaches, and athletes as they underscore the complex effects of aerobic exercise in training paradigms when considering optimal athletic performance enhancement both physically and mentally in terms of sports satisfaction.
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