Growing bodies of research, particularly studies that incorporate enhanced knowledge of neuroscience in human performance, is expanding our understanding of the importance of emotion over pure reason, social connections over individual choice and character over intelligence (Brooks, 2011). This knowledge is combined with real life demonstrations and anecdotal evidence that emergent, organic, complex systems serve us better in performance optimisation than linear, mechanistic ones. My experience of a variety of high performance (HP) settings is certainly in contrast to that opening sentiment.
Growing bodies of research, particularly studies that incorporate enhanced knowledge of neuroscience in human performance, is expanding our understanding of the importance of emotion over pure reason….”
Emotional considerations are not often placed as an important consideration in performance optimisation. Too often the directive in HP sport has been ‘Get out there and get the job done’. There was often little to no individual choice and athletic ‘leadership’ positions were directed rather than organically allowed to evolve within a group dynamic. Certainly the measurement and development of performance was attempted with no measures or support of emotional ‘performance’.
So how does and should this expanding volume of research influence athletes and professionals working in the HP setting?
Those involved in a HP setting are encouraged not to take an overly simplistic view of human nature, particularly given the importance of emotion in ‘action’ (Lazarus 1991). HP coaches are encouraged to avoid the consistent use of rigid approaches to skill acquisition, performance or competitive success. HP programming instead is encouraged to consider the growth and development of an individual’s emotional state, including the expansion of resilience through controlled exposure of new boundaries in performance and introspective practice such as mindfulness. This emotional growth includes the use of ‘gut feelings’ in performance given that every emotion that arises in the brain is mirrored in the gut (Mayer, 2016). The copious amount of ascending sensory input to the brain from the gut can influence mood and emotion and is considered a new avenue for HP professionals to influence athletic performance via the optimisation of gut health and dietary habits.
About the author
Stuart has been a physiotherapist for over 24 years. With post graduate education in both sports physiotherapy and high performance he has assisted thousands of athletes in a variety of sports utilising a holistic athletic development framework, rehab and performance programs. He has spent several years working in elite cycling and was the founder & director of one of Australia’s largest high school based sports academy.
References
Brooks D (2011) The Social Animal. A story of how success happens. Random House: New York.
Lazarus RS (1991) Emotion and adaptation. New York: Oxford University Press
Mayer E (2016) The Mind-Gut Connection. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Qualis Health 