Athletes who are defeated in a competition are twice as likely to be injured than those who win, because the psychological effect of being defeated makes them more vulnerable to other types of problems, according to a study developed by the Sports Psychology Unit of the University of Murcia.
The researchers, led by Francisco J. Ortín, professor of Sports Psychology at the UMU, studied 210 semi-professional and professional soccer players from 14 teams, aged between 16 and 37 years, and with an average age of 24. 59 years. The study does not analyze in detail the underlying psychological factors in defeated players, but confirms that behind all injuries lies a low mood, a feeling of frustration or stress, as well as a greater tolerance to pain and avoidance or escape behaviors .
Given this relationship between the athlete's psychological state and the possibility of injury, the authors conclude that the work of a sports psychologist is "crucial" to reduce the risk of muscle and joint damage and increase the performance of the athlete. athlete, enhancing aspects such as concentration, motivation, self-confidence and tension control.
