Information processing and emotional response in elite athletes

Abstract

Purpose. The problem of visual perception and information processing is very real for both sport and professional activities. The performance of motor activity mostly occurs where there are time pressures and an increase in nervous emotion and physical tension. Methods. The role of visual perception in information processing and its connection to emotions in elite athletes were studied. 19 elite athletes, Greco-Roman wrestlers, aged 19-22 were examined. The sequence of the study method was: simple visual-movement reaction; reaction to a moving object; speed of perception; scale of emotional excitability. Results. The results obtained indicate significant links between anger and visual perception in elite athletes. It is likely that emotional factors such as anger are a hindrance to athletes’ concentration on the object of the activity. This results in ineffective information processing and leads to a deterioration in visual perception. Conclusions. The study shows that anger is not a motivational factor in sport activity. Anger as an affective emotion, is a negative characteristic and affects the athletes’ general functional state.