Part of physical and mental demands of performance. Fatigue and Stress Part of physical and mental demands of performance.

To consider what fatigue and stress are. To look at conditions that can lead to the onset of both fatigue and stress. To consider the effects these can have on the performer, both physically and mentally. How?: Powerpoint Discussion Why?: GCSE

Both fatigue and stress are capable of having a significant impact on performance and it is vital that you are aware of the effects they can have. It is also essential that you remember that a different personality type will deal with events in different ways, so emotions have to be dealt with individually too.

Fatigue Fatigue is a feeling of extreme physical or mental tiredness brought on by extreme exertion and it can result in temporary loss of strength and energy. Signs of fatigue Your body or parts of your body may not be able to carry on with what you are doing due to local muscular fatigue and it can even result in you having to stop what you are doing completely. Concentration levels will decrease and you are more likely to make mistakes of judgement.

Signs of fatigue cont. Skill levels decrease as speed and strength decrease. If you are not able to have some form of rest you will be forced to stop. This can be a dangerous condition and carrying on is likely to result in injury, often brought on by the fact that techniques cannot be performed well. This is the reason that most sports allow substitutions – as soon as players appear fatigued they are taken off to avoid injury.

Stress Stress is the body’s reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response and this, in turn, can be linked to other factors in any sporting situation. Some people may become more aggressive and others may find that levels of arousal are increased.

Excitement or suspense can lead to tension Excitement or suspense can lead to tension. If this is experienced before taking part in an activity it can result in tightness in the muscles, which could then lead to a physical effect. Anxiety can make you feel uneasy and apprehensive both before and during performance. If you become over anxious you are likely to make mistakes. However most performers consider some level of anxiety to be necessary to help them to focus and prepare. This produces adrenaline which in the right amounts can make your performance better.

Nervousness can add to your tension levels, making you feel more tense and even agitated to the point where it can have a physical effect such as shaking or feeling sick. With too much stress motivation will almost certainly decrease.

Almost everyone who has ever taken part in physical activity has experienced stress ad it far more common in individual activities where the focus is purely on you! It does also happen in team games – coming out to bat, taking a penalty etc. Participants who become bored easily or who find aspects of either practicing or performing tedious are likely to achieve less as performers.

Key Terms Local muscular fatigue – when a muscle or group of muscles, is unable to carry on contracting and movements stops. Apprehensive – fearful about the future. Motivation – your drive to succeed and desire and energy to achieve something.

Examiners tips Questions on this topic are likely to include being able to identify clearly what stress and fatigue are and what effect they are likely to have on your performance.