Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study aims to identify autogenic relaxation (self-relaxation) and its relationship to learning basic artistic gymnastics skills among female students. The researcher developed a dedicated autogenic relaxation questionnaire, validated by specialized experts, and utilized standardized performance tests for basic artistic gymnastics skills. The importance of relaxation in sports lies in reducing athletes' susceptibility to over-arousal, enhancing emotional control, managing challenging situations with composure, delaying the onset of fatigue, positively regulating high tension before and after competition, and improving kinesthetic awareness. The researcher adopted a descriptive correlational approach and processed the data using SPSS. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between the research variables; autogenic relaxation plays a crucial role prior to skill execution by promoting complete muscle relaxation and reducing anxiety and fear, which otherwise cause technical errors and muscle spasms. The study recommends greater emphasis on psychological readiness through deep breathing, mental calmness, and motor imagery (visualization) before skill performance.
Source: Journal of Sport Science
DOI: 10.26400/sep./69/3
Institution: University of Diyala
Language: Arabic
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7219715726