Stress Levels in Handball Coaching–Case Study: Preliminary Analysis of the Differences between Training and Match

Abstract

Stress plays a significant role in competitions and in the training of sports participants, and coaches are no exception. To better cope with stressful situations, close monitoring of coaches’ stress levels before, during, and after training and competitions is recommended. According to studies, the use of cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) as biomarkers for monitoring acute stress is recommended. Therefore, the aim of our study was to compare HR, salivary C and AA, and STAI scores before, during, and after handball matches and training sessions. The study examined one professional handball coach, aged 37, in stress markers (salivary cortisol (C) and alpha-amylase (AA) concentrations), heart rate (HR), and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores in five matches/training sessions in the First Qatar Handball League. Statistical analysis included the calculation of descriptive statistic parameters, Mann–Whitney U test for differences between match–training time points, and the effect size analysis (Cohen’s d) to calculate the magnitude of differences between match–training time points. Presented markers (C and AA) had statistically stronger reactions before, during, and after the matches than the corresponding time points of the training sessions, similar to HR data and STAI scores. Results indicate that, before and during the matches, the analyzed markers of stress increased, which might lead to the conclusion that coaches are more anxious than frightened before and during matches. Thus, stress-coping strategies for handball coaches should be more focused on stress anticipation and anxiety control.

Acute and Long-Lasting Effects of Slow-Paced Breathing on Handball Team Coach’s Match Stress

“…As reported previously, a competition setting elicits a higher stress response in coaches compared to trainings. It was speculated that the pre-competitive effect increases stress biomarkers levels (HR, C, and AA) [43]. This effect is an anticipated response to the stressful situations [44,45].…”

The Mental Health of Elite-Level Coaches: A Systematic Scoping Review

“…Among the included studies, 10 examined symptoms associated with anxiety and 8 explored symptoms associated with depression. Symptoms of both anxiety and depression were measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ, 12-and 28-item; n = 4) [11,12,78,79] and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21; n = 3) [78][79][80], whilst the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; n = 2) [91,109] and Sport Emotion Questionnaire (SEQ; n = 1) [103] were employed to assess symptoms of anxiety, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R; n = 1) [111] was utilised to examine symptoms of depression. Clinical interviews (n = 1) [108] and semi-structured interviews (n = 1) [110] were also employed to investigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.…”

The mental health of elite-level coaches: A systematic scoping review

“…Among the included studies, 10 examined symptoms associated with anxiety and eight explored symptoms associated with depression. Both symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ, 12-and 28-item; n = 4) [11,12,78,79] and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21; n = 3) [78-80], whilst the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI; n = 2) [91,109] and Sport Emotion Questionnaire (SEQ; n = 1) [103] were employed to assess symptoms of anxiety, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale -Revised (CESD-R; n = 1) [111] was utilised to examine symptoms of depression. Clinical interviews (n = 1) [108] and semi-structured interviews (n = 1 ) [110] were also employed to investigate symptoms of anxiety and depression.…”