Impact of Visualization Technique on Cortisol Levels in National Level Table Tennis Players

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of visualization techniques in reducing stress levels among National-Level male Table Tennis players. The sample consisted of 20 players, evenly divided into an experimental group (n=10) and a control group (n=10). Over a twelve-week period, the experimental group engaged in visualization training three days per week, while the control group received no such intervention. Stress levels were assessed through serum cortisol measurements taken before and after the intervention. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was employed to compare post-intervention cortisol levels between the two groups, with pre-test cortisol levels included as a covariate to control for baseline differences. The results demonstrated that visualization training significantly reduced cortisol levels in the experimental group compared to the control group, indicating that visualization can be an effective technique for stress regulation in high-performance athletes. These findings suggest that incorporating visualization practices into athletic training regimens could enhance athletes' stress management and overall performance.