Enhancing sports and exercise performance through cognitive interventions

Pages:28-32
Fauzia Nazam and Akbar Husain (Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP)

In this article, we have explored relationship between anxiety and sport performance and reviewed a number of studies in support to this relationship. Besides we have introduced a number of cognitive interventions techniques such as Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions (cognitive restructuring, visualization imagery, bizarre imagery, psyching-up, attribution training, thought-stopping), Relaxation Techniques and Self-help Strategies (develop self-confidence, distract yourself, focus on that which you can control, association and dissociation, positive self-talk (PST), anticipation). On the basis of earlier evidence we can infer that Sport Psychologists can work with athletes on a variety of strategies that will help in reducing anxiety. And these interventions will be useful to researchers and practitioners who wish to study how to enhance exercise and sports performance of athletes.