ATHLETES are most likely to sustain physical injuries during times when psychological or social stress is high, according to a new review of evidence by Swedish researchers.
In their meta-analysis of 48 clinical studies published in the journal Sports Medicine, the psychologists found that factors such as relationship stress, lack of sleep and working long hours at the office can trigger the ‘stress response’. In the short term, the rush of biochemicals, including the hormone cortisol, which heightens physical and psychological arousal, acts as a signal for positive physical adaptation.
However, the longer it continues, the more likely it is to have a negative effect on both your recovery and health, the researchers said.