Effect of functional strength training with Swiss Ball exercises on selected psychological variables among athletes

Abstract

The goal of this analysis was to investigate among athletes some psychological characteristics under the influence of functional strength training using Swiss ball exercises. Combining functional strength training—which stresses movement patterns that increase athletic performance—with the instability component of Swiss ball exercises is hypothesised to improve psychological qualities including self-confidence and anxiety control. Selected participants were split into investigation and non-investigation groups; the investigation group followed a planned Swiss ball-based strength training program over eight weeks. Standardized tools were used to evaluate psychological variables. These instruments assessed anxiety reactions both before and after the intervention as well as confidence levels. Within-group and between-group variations were found by means of paired sample t-tests and ANCOVA data analysis. In the investigation group, the outcomes revealed notable increases in self-confidence and a decrease in competitive anxiety relative to the non-investigation group (p< 0.05). These results imply that including Swiss ball exercises into functional strength training can be a good approach to improve athletes&#39; psychological and physical readiness. Long-term consequences and changes in training strategies for several sports disciplines should be investigated in next studies.