Influence of Psychological Stress and Anxiety on Cervical Muscle Activation and Sports Performance Among Competitive Athletes: A Surface Electromyographic study

Abstract

Background
Psychological stress and anxiety are common among competitive athletes and may influence both neuromuscular function
and sports performance. Athletes frequently experience psychological pressure related to training demands, competition
expectations, and performance outcomes. These psychological factors may increase muscle tension, alter motor control,
and negatively affect athletic performance. However, limited research has objectively examined the relationship between
stress, anxiety, cervical muscle activation, and sports performance using surface electromyography (sEMG).
Objective
To investigate the influence of psychological stress and anxiety on cervical muscle activation and sports performance
among competitive athletes using surface electromyography.
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 80 competitive athletes aged 18–35 years participating in
various sports, including cricket, football, badminton, and athletics. Psychological stress and anxiety were assessed using
the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Surface electromyography was used to record the
activity of the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles under resting and sport-specific performance conditions.
Athletic performance was evaluated using standardized sport-specific performance indicators. Descriptive statistics,
Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship between
psychological variables, cervical muscle activity, and performance outcomes. Statistical significance was established at p
< 0.05.
Results
Athletes with higher levels of psychological stress and anxiety demonstrated significantly greater cervical muscle
activation compared to athletes with lower stress levels. Significant positive correlations were observed between PSS
scores and upper trapezius EMG activity (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) and between BAI scores and sternocleidomastoid EMG
activity (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). Increased cervical muscle activation was associated with reduced sports performance scores
(r = -0.54, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis identified stress, anxiety, and cervical muscle activity as significant
predictors of athletic performance.
Conclusion
Psychological stress and anxiety significantly influence cervical muscle activation and may negatively affect sports
performance among competitive athletes. Elevated activation of cervical muscles appears to be associated with reduced
athletic efficiency and performance outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of integrating psychological
assessment, stress-management strategies, and neuromuscular monitoring within athlete rehabilitation and
performance enhancement programs.