THE IMPACTS OF NEUROPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES ON INJURY RISKS AND POSSIBLE PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

In the sports world, athletic performance is widely discussed, but the emotional aspects influencing it receive less attention. This study aimed to conduct an integrative literature review analyzing thirteen articles to investigate how neuropsychophysiological processes impact the risk of physical injury in athletes, as well as explore possible psychological interventions. Data collection took place from February to May 2024, using the databases PubMed, Scielo, Cell Press, and the Virtual Health Library. The descriptors used were ‘sport psychology’, ‘anxiety’, ‘stress’, and ‘physical injury’, combined using “and.” Inclusion criteria consisted of articles published between 2019 and 2023 in Portuguese, Spanish, or English, including both empirical studies and literature reviews. The findings suggest that anxiety causes physical symptoms in athletes, such as changes in proprioception and irregular physiological functioning. These effects may impair athletic performance and increase vulnerability to injury by hindering the athlete’s ability to respond effectively to common sport-related situations. Among the psychological interventions discussed, mindfulness techniques and emotional intelligence strategies were most frequently cited. These interventions appear to enhance athletes’ self-efficacy, self-motivation, and self-confidence, contributing positively to both performance and injury prevention. In conclusion, addressing mental health and emotional well-being is a vital component in supporting athletes, coaching staff, and teams. It offers a broader understanding of performance that goes beyond physical training, recognizing that unseen emotional factors can significantly influence outcomes in sports.