A Single-Session Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Reduces Anxiety and Improves Self-confidence in Athletes with Post-traumatic Stress Associated with Injury

Background: Stress and anxiety related to post-injury trauma in athletes is a latent problem sport. The use of eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) allows sports psychologists intervene with their more effectively help them into recovery achieve peak sport performance. Objectives: Analyze the EMDR therapy effect psychophysiological responses four stress traumatic event during practice. Methods: Four (22.25 ± 1.71 years; 11.5 2.65 years experience) participated single-group pre-experimental study. Sport Psychology Department institution approved study for its application, which also followed statement declaration Helsinki. participants had been medically cleared practice after sustaining severe injury, but they expressed significant difficulty performing optimally yet. Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2RD was applied measure self-confidence levels before, two weeks later intervention. Eye standard protocol carried out identify dysfunctional memories be reprocessed, address abnormal behaviors as consequences, develop behavioral changes manage trauma. Heart rate variability parameters used biofeedback were monitored associate moments relief. Data analysis performed using smallest worthwhile change (SWC) Hopkins compare results different Results: All reported likely most beneficial (according SWC) intervention EMRD well at afterward. (HRV) linked parasympathetic activity reduced sympathetic increase when induced stressor memories, observing an opposite behavior phases let athlete relaxed or getting Conclusions: effective injury psychologic Furthermore both, LnRMSSD LnSS HRV can strategy better efficacy EMDR-based treatment.