Relaxation techniques in sports: A systematic review on acute effects on performance

The Thin Line Between Waking and Sleeping in Athletes: A Call for Yoga Nidra in the Sporting Context

“…From an applied point of view, athletes might be suggested to adopt YN as a constant training or competition recovery strategy (i.e., to execute-alone or after other exercises-between training sessions or competitions, e.g., Pelka et al, 2016). This practice may serve during rest periods not only as a physical but also as a mental recovery strategy to counteract the effects of multiple training bouts on a single day or tight competition bouts over weeks and restore the system and mental balance (Loch et al, 2019).…”

“…Notwithstanding the increasing number of studies on the influence of YN on stress or sleep, there is still scant research concerning this practice in the sporting context. From an applied standpoint, yoga stretching, biofeedback and pure meditation, breathing, and imagery are the most frequently mentioned techniques used by athletes to foster inner balance and recovery (Pelka et al, 2016). Athletes yet face unique physiological and psychological stressors daily, which may contribute to injuries, overtraining, burnout, and/or other physical and mental health issues.…”

“…This reduction may be crucial for health purposes, especially in athletes as they continuously face training and competition stimuli. Better arousal management might also be indicated for not losing appropriate activation levels essential to sport performance (Pelka et al, 2016). Additionally, improved sleep and arousal management along with reduced pain scores and muscle tension, other outcomes of YN, would constitute a virtuous cycle (Sutar et al, 2016), which could lower the possible "threats" of training and competitions on the nervous system.…”

Mental training in preparation of the Czech Republic weightlifting representative in the junior category under 23 years: a case study

“…Strategie současného výzkumu se zaměřuje na zjišťování efektivity mentálního tréninku (Tod, Hardy, & Oliver, 2011). Někteří autoři uvádějí pozitivní efekt využití programu systematického nácviku mentálních dovedností na výkonnost (Behncke, 2004;Burton & Raedeke, 2008;Holliday, Burton, & Sun, 2008;Horn, 2008;Hřebíčková, Válková, & Sigmund, 2014;Judge, 2011;Makaruk, Porter, & Makaruk, 2013;Orlick, 2012;Pelka et al, 2016). Mezi výzkumy zjišťující efektivitu jednotlivých technik mentálního tréninku na výkon či zlepšení dílčích dovedností sportovců patří např.…”

The Effectiveness of a Mnemonic-Type Startle and Surprise Management Procedure for Pilots

“…The first step is to manage stress through breathing and muscle relaxation. Similar techniques are applied in the military (e.g., U.S. Marine Corps, 2010), competitive sports (Pelka et al, 2016), and education (e.g., Paul et al, 2007). This might help pilots to start with the troubleshooting process from a calmer state.…”