On the impact of top-level sports on the prevention of mental disorders

Introduction Athletes with physical impairments may experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. At all stages of sports training, it is necessary to consider athletes’ mental state depending on the functional ability – class of a para table tennis player (Rice et al. 2016, Hamer et al. 2008). Objectives This study examines features of psychological training for the Russian national para table tennis team (class 1-10), bearing in mind function classes, mental health, and sports achievements of each team member. Methods Participants from 2 groups of national para table tennis players (class 1-10) who were training for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics were analyzed. Group 1 (n=5, 2 males, 3 females) consisted of athletes classified within classes 6-10 (players who compete standing). Group 2 (n=5, 3 males, 2 females) consisted of athletes classified within classes 1-5 (players that compete in a wheelchair). Participants had no mental health complaints at the moment of the study and took part in the process voluntarily. Within these groups, 8 para table tennis players participated in the Tokyo Paralympics and won 5 medals of different merits. Stages of the study: Stage 1: developing a differentiated training approach, assessing individual value differences (Schwartz Value Survey, SVS), measuring the quality of life (SF-36), and designing a tailored psychological training approach for each Group. Stage 2: psychological skills training, quality of life assessment (SF-36), and evaluation of the results of the self-report questionnaire (psycho-emotional state, level of motivation, and satisfaction) right after the end of the Games. Results The most significant values in Group 1 are the following: security, conformity, benevolence, self-direction, and achievement. Less pronounced values are the following: power and stimulation (fig. 1). Significant values in group 2 are security, universalism, benevolence, self-direction, and conformity. Virtually not pronounced values are hedonism and power. (fig. 2). The preparation strategy for Group 1 should focus on adaptive coping strategies (active attitude, emotional support, instrumental support, positive reinterpretation). Group 2 should focus more on social support and foster communication with coaches and teammates. Quality of life measurement (SF-36) and analysis of the self-report questionnaire show the reduction of the anxiety level and demonstrate a steady increase in the level of motivation, sense of fulfillment, and satisfaction with the achieved results. The result of dynamic observation indicates improvement in quality of life. Image 1: Image 2: Conclusions Psychological methods used in complex (integrated, comprehensive) training correlate positively with athletes’ performance and beneficially affect their psycho-emotional state. Functional class plays a significant role in choosing psychological methods for coaching para table tennis players and finding an appropriate way to interact with the national team. Disclosure of Interest None Declared