A Study on Reducing Competitive Anxiety in Sport (2) : The Effects of Biofeedback Training on Trait Anxiety

The purpose of this study is to clarify the effect on trait anxiety using biofeedback training by Galvanic Skin Resistance (GSR) and Skin Temperature. 15 males and 2 females as nonathletes, and a baseball player from Fukuoka Institute of Technology were took part in this training as subjects, and were trained for about two months in 1986. As the instruments to assess the trait anxiety levels, Spielberger\u27s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Martens\u27 Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and Trait Anxiety Inventory for Sport (TAIS) developed by authors were used, and were administerd at the begining and end of training. In addition, self-evaluations of the nonathletes were analysed. Some results are summarised as follows: 1. According to nonathletes\u27 self-evaluations of post training, there were many descriptions relating to the psychological effects compared with physiological effects. Those contents were related to relaxation, calmness, concentration, self-confidence and ambition as the psychological aspects, and reducing tention, recovery from fatigue, improvement of sleep, calm behavior as physiological aspects. 2. Although the means of STAI, SCAT and TAIS scales decreased in the expected direction, no significant differences were found between pre test and post test. From the results of the analysis of these individuals, those who showed high level of trait anxiety were recognized as the effects of training. 3. On the case study of the baseball player, the effects of biofeedback training were determined, that is, all of three scales scores decreased on post test remarkably. Therefore, the posibility of using biofeedback training for reducing trait anxiety on athletes was indicated in this study. (Journal of Health Science, Kyushu University, 9: 89-96, 1987