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Precompetitive physiological states determine the gameSnowboarders’ physiological states, motion and performance 
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Elite athletes exhibit sophisticated control over whole-body movements under immense competitive pressures. The effects of cognitive pressure on the psychophysiological state and postural control have been recognized. However, little is known about how pre-competitive physiological changes alter whole-body movement control and affect competitive performance in real competitions. Therefore, we measured the pre-competitive physiological states, body movements, and competitive performance of elite athletes in the snowboard Big-Air competition, which is similar to regular competitions, and examined the relationship between them. The results indicate that elite snowboarders develop a pre-competitive sympathetic predominance that increases riding speed, initiates a trick earlier, and increases the rotating speed, leading to a higher score. The present study contributes to the idea that athletes can guide themselves to an optimal state in which they can achieve superior performance in real competitions. Furthermore, it could contribute widely to other fields in which excellent performance is required under pressure.
[1] S. Matsumura, K. Watanabe, N. Saijo, Y. Ooishi, T. Kimura, M. Kashino, “Positive Relationship Between Precompetitive Sympathetic Predominance and Competitive Performance in Elite Extreme Sports Athletes,” Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, Vol. 3, 712439, 2021.
Seiji Matsumura
Kashino Diverse Brain Research Laboratory