Mental conditioning and pulse oximetry monitoring in short-term training of alpine skiers aged 13–16 years

Background and Study Aim. Mental conditioning is an important part of modern athletic preparation. It helps regulate arousal, focus, and performance stability. This study examined the psychophysiological effects of a short mental training routine that combined relaxation and sport-specific imagery in junior alpine skiers. Materials and Methods. Fourteen athletes (7 from CSS Gheorgheni; 7 from CSS Baia Sprie) took part in a pre–post observational protocol. The Gheorgheni group performed imagery on a ski simulator. The Baia Sprie group followed the same routine without simulator support. Pulse oximetry (CMS-50F) was used to measure pulse rate (PR, bpm) and oxygen saturation (SpO₂, %) at rest, after relaxation, and during imagery. All recordings were taken under standardized seated conditions to ensure measurement consistency. Repeated-measures ANOVA and non-parametric equivalents (Friedman test, Wilcoxon test) were applied to evaluate within-group changes. Between-group comparisons used t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results. Descriptive analysis showed that PR consistently decreased after relaxation and increased during imagery. SpO₂ remained within normal limits (96–98%). The simulator group showed a greater increase in PR (+18.5 bpm) compared to the control group (+11.2 bpm). This indicates clear autonomic modulation: parasympathetic activation during relaxation and sympathetic activation during imagery. These trends were consistent across all participants. Statistical tests confirmed significant phase effects for PR (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes observed within both groups. Conclusions. Mental rehearsal produced measurable physiological changes without physical activity. This suggests its role in enhancing athletes’ internal regulation. While limited by the small sample, the study supports further research using larger groups and more advanced autonomic measures, such as heart rate variability, to refine mental training protocols in alpine skiing.