Psychological Factors as VO2Max Performance Predictor among Malaysian Sub-Elite Athletes

Psychological Factors as VO₂ Max Performance Predictor among Malaysian Sub-Elite Athletes

Muhammad Noor Hizami Hamidi^1,2, Shamsulariffin Samsudin², Hairul Anuar Hashim³, Mohd Rozilee Wazir Norjali Wazir⁴, Soh Kim Geok², Roxana Dev Omar Dev²

¹ Department of Physical and Health Education, Faculty of Education Universiti Teknologi MARA

² Department of Sports Studies, Faculty of Education Universiti Putra Malaysia

³ Sports and Recreation Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia

⁴ Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah,

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.917PSY0040

Received: 02 June 2025; Accepted: 05 June 2025; Published: 06 July 2025

ABSTRACT

This study examined the predicted correlation between certain psychological traits (emotional intelligence, mental toughness, mood state, and sports anxiety) and aerobic capacity (VO₂Max) in Malaysian sub-elite athletes. A cross-sectional design was utilised, encompassing 228 participants from the Malaysian National Sports School system. Psychological assessments were conducted concurrently with the 20-meter shuttle run test to evaluate VO2Max. Multiple regression analysis indicated a non-significant overall model (F(11, 216) = 1.597, p = .101), explaining 7.5% of the variation in VO2Max values. Two variables were identified as statistically significant: emotional intelligence in regulating others’ emotions (negatively correlated) and mood state confusion (positively correlated). Other psychological qualities, such as anxiety dimensions, mental toughness, and emotional self-regulation, were not significant predictors. These findings underscore the complex and perhaps paradoxical links between psychological and physiological performance indicators in sub-elite athletes. The research highlights the significance of comprehensive performance models that encompass both mental and physical aspects and proposes that specific psychological therapies might enhance endurance performance in competitive environments.

Keywords-Emotional intelligence, Mood state, VO2Max, Sub-elite athletes, Sports psychology, Mental toughness, Sports anxiety

INTRODUCTION

Achieving success in sports is a complex endeavor reliant on the unique interplay of physical capabilities and many psychological traits. Emotional intelligence, mental resilience, mood, and sports anxiety are significant psychological traits that can profoundly affect an athlete’s physiological metrics, such as VO2Max, in challenging sub-elite sports environments [2][20]. Comprehending the complex interplay between these psychological factors and indicators of physical performance is crucial for the effective formulation of training programs and the improvement of physical capabilities [6]. Sport psychology examines the interplay between mental and physical elements in athletics, highlighting the influence of psychological factors on physical performance and the effects of sports participation on mental health, particularly in competitive sports such as badminton, which enhances performance levels and facilitates recovery. Mental toughness, defined by resilience, confidence, and the capacity to execute under duress, is a crucial factor for success in several sports [28]. By fostering psychological safety and enacting supporting policies, top youth sports organizations can enhance mental health, resulting in a reduction of depressive symptoms among athletes [25]. Likewise, the capacity to adeptly manage emotions, indicative of elevated emotional intelligence, assists athletes in sustaining focus, modulating arousal, and reasoning judiciously throughout competitions. Conversely, sports anxiety, characterized by cognitive and physiological symptoms, can adversely affect performance by impairing attention, elevating muscular tension, and disturbing coordination. The interplay of these psychological elements may result in physiological impacts, namely alterations in paradigmatic variables like cardiovascular activity and oxygen consumption, which may be quantified using measurements of VO2Max. The equilibrium between cultivating mental capabilities and determining the appropriate moment to send athletes for sports psychology support is a challenge for coaches to navigate [15]. Furthermore, to comprehend and address mental health challenges, it is essential to recognize the adversities athletes encounter, such as physical strain, sleep deprivation, and weight-related pressure [4].

Studying the intricate links among emotional intelligence, mental toughness, mood state, sports anxiety, and VO2Max in Malaysian sub-elite athletes is particularly relevant, since cultural and environmental factors may impact athletic growth and performance. Sub-elite athletes, primarily nearing elite status, frequently experience significant performance pressure, accompanied by less organised support and resources than their elite counterparts. This demographic represents a significant potential market for specialised interventions aimed at enhancing mental health and physical performance [16]. Despite the ongoing influence of Eastern culture on psychological characteristics such as emotional expression, coping techniques, and help-seeking behaviour, it is essential to acknowledge the impact of many cultural origins. Furthermore, the unique demands of various sports may necessitate differing levels of emotional intelligence, mental resilience, and anxiety regulation capabilities. Close attention to these issues is crucial due to the stressful nature of the student-athlete experience and the potential for emotionally charged events to impact performance academically and athletically [5]. Academic problems, social relationships, and financial constraints may contribute to the psychological load faced by sub-elite athletes, resulting in heightened anxiety and hindering the development of psychological resilience. Consequently, comprehending the interaction of these components is essential for devising successful therapies focused on fostering whole athlete development.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional methodology with an exploratory design, disseminating physical questionnaires to guarantee the validity and reliability of the acquired data. This study sought to assess the emotional intelligence, mental toughness, mood states, and sports anxiety of sub-elite Malaysian athletes in relation to their VO2Max capability. The maximal aerobic capacity (VO2Max) of Malaysian sub-elite athletes was assessed using the 20-meter shuttle run test (bleep test). The subjects were Malaysian sub-elite athletes enrolled at the Malaysian National Sports School. Malaysia has six national sports schools. A randomized fishbowl sampling method was employed, selecting the Malaysia National Sports School of Pahang. Only athletes actively participating in national and international events were chosen. The research had a total of 228 individuals. Assessment of emotional intelligence, mental resilience, affective states, and sport-related anxiety in correlation with performance among amateur athletes. The Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale and Alen Heary Mental Toughness Questionnaire assessed emotional intelligence and mental toughness, respectively, while the Brunel Mood Scale and Sport Anxiety Scale-2 evaluated mood state and sports anxiety characteristics in the subjects. A pilot study was performed to assess the internal consistency of the instrument among Malaysian sub-elite athletes. The reliability, assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, was deemed adequate for all scales: Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale at 0.87, Alen Heary Mental Toughness Questionnaire at 0.96, Brunel Mood Scale at 0.887, and Sport Anxiety Scale-2 at 0.94. All participants were presented with an explanation of the research objectives and consent. Participants were explained the study’s purpose and submitted signed informed consent. The surveys were provided in English and Bahasa for enhanced understanding. Ethical approval was secured, and both privacy and voluntary participation were guaranteed. Descriptive statistics were employed to characterize the demographic data of the participants, followed by inferential statistics (multiple regression analysis) to examine the impact of psychological characteristics (emotional intelligence, mental toughness, mood state, and sports anxiety traits) on VO2Max among Malaysian sub-elite athletes.

RESULT

Table I Analyses Of Respondents’ General Characteristics

The normality of the data distribution for this study was analyzed using skewness and kurtosis. The data were normally distributed, as the values of skewness and kurtosis for each variable were between -1 and 1 for both skewness and kurtosis. Values of skewness and kurtosis between 1 and -1 are considered excellent for most psychometric uses, but value between 2 and -2 are also acceptable in many cases, especially for large samples [30].

Table Ii Analyses Of Respondents’ General Characteristics

Table Iii Regression Model Predicting Vo₂ Max

Table Iv Summary Regression Model Predicting Vo₂ Max

Table V Coefficient Regression Model Predicting Vo2max Sprint

A multiple regression study investigated the correlation between psychological variables and VO₂ Max. The model lacked statistical significance, F (11, 216) = 1.597, p = .101, and explained roughly 7.5% of the variation (R² = .075, adjusted R² = .028). Among the predictors, Emotional Intelligence in Managing Others’ Emotions (B = -0.022, t = -2.207, p = .028) and Mood State Confusion (B = 0.015, t = 2.002, p = .047) substantially forecasted VO₂ Max. Nonetheless, no further variables demonstrated statistical significance, including Emotional Intelligence in Managing Own Emotions, Emotional Intelligence in Perception of Emotions, SAS Anxiety Traits, AHMT Mental Toughness, and Mood State Anger (p > .05).

DISCUSSION

The multiple regression analysis performed to ascertain the relationship between psychological traits and VO2Max was likewise non-significant, accounting for around 7.5% of the variance. Two statistically significant components emerged: Emotional Intelligence (EI), specifically in the domain of Managing Others’ Emotions, shown a negative correlation with VO2Max, whereas Mood State Confusion demonstrated a favorable correlation with it. Additional characteristics such as Emotional Intelligence in Managing Own Emotions, Emotional Intelligence in Perception of Emotion, Anxiety Traits, Mental Toughness, and Mood State Anger did not seem to be significant predictors.

Recent suggestions indicate that intricate correlations exist between psychological aspects and physical performance metrics, such as VO2Max. The correlation between psychiatric illnesses and physiological performance in athletes is being examined more rigorously, with mood state confusion recognized as a potentially crucial factor influencing VO2Max [19]. This discovery in the realm of emotional intelligence indicates that the capacity to control others’ emotions has a negative correlation with VO2Max, implying that certain emotional intelligence skills may influence aerobic capacity [14]. The capacity to influence others’ emotions has a significant negative link with VO2Max, indicating that those proficient in emotional management may possess worse cardiorespiratory fitness. This apparently paradoxical finding warrants further investigation into potential mechanisms, such as the inclination towards social and emotional interactions over solitary physical activities, and/or the possibility that individuals in active leadership or caregiving roles may experience stress levels that correlate with diminished physical capabilities.

Furthermore, while the overall mood state did not exhibit a significant correlation with VO2Max, the negative mood state of perplexity had a significant link with VO2Max, indicating that certain mood states may influence physical performance results. The findings of this study, which corroborate the meta-analysis of [13], indicate that mood state is associated with athletic performance, and that specific mood components are consistent predictors of physical performance in competitive athletes across many sports and outcomes.

Mood state confusion, characterized by ambiguity, perplexity, and disorientation, can significantly affect an athlete’s impression of effort and performance [10][12]. Physiological variables are primarily the key components influencing VO2Max, however psychological factors may also contribute to variability [19]. An increased state of perplexity in athletes may result in distorted perceptions of effort (rate of fatigue), early fatigue, suboptimal pacing techniques, and diminished overall performance, hence impacting VO2Max [18]. The correlation between VO2Max and mood state confusion is influenced by supplementary variables.

Emotional emotions can trigger a series of chemical and neurological reactions that directly influence cardiovascular function, respiratory patterns, and metabolic efficiency [21]. These stressors can induce the secretion of hormones such cortisol and adrenaline, resulting in vasoconstriction, elevated heart rate, and alterations in substrate utilization, so affecting oxygen transport to active muscles [22]. The confusion of emotional states may impede cognitive capacities such as attention, focus, and decision-making, adversely affecting motor control, coordination, and the capacity to maintain maximal effort.

Moreover, an athlete’s motivational energy and self-belief are intrinsically linked to their emotions; ambiguous or uncertain feelings can adversely affect their perception of muscular strength, diminish their tolerance for discomfort, and impede their capacity to perform at their VO2Max during VO2Max activities. Addressing mood state confusion is crucial for athletes seeking to enhance VO2Max; both psychological and performance therapies are necessary. Strategies to mitigate mood state confusion are essential for athletes aiming to improve VO2Max and should be included into a holistic performance enhancement approach that encompasses both psychological and physical elements.

The interplay between mental and physical aspects in sports performance is a complex and multifaceted subject for exploration [23]. The ability of athletes to manage their emotions and appropriately interpret the emotions of others is believed to influence several performance metrics, including aerobic capacity [7][8]. Aerobic power may occasionally be assessed as VO2max, regarded as the maximum level of oxygen intake attainable during intense exercise, and is crucial for endurance sports. While physiological criteria like VO2max are undoubtedly significant, they are not the sole key predictor of an athlete’s performance [19].

Nevertheless, the scientific literature does not consistently demonstrate a direct meaningful correlation between emotional intelligence, mood state, and V̇O2Max, especially within sub-elite athlete groups. Sub-elite trained athletes, while effective and competitive, may exhibit distinct psychological profiles and coping methods compared to top athletes, thereby influencing the correlation between their emotional competencies and physiological characteristics [8]. Evaluating the environmental elements faced by athletes and their physiological reactions to varying situations is crucial for assessing performance [22].

The absence of a definitive correlation between mood-induced rage and aerobic capacity (VO2Max) in sub-elite athletes is a compelling subject warranting more diagnostic exploration. This paradoxical conclusion may be ascribed to a variety of interrelated physiological, psychological, and methodological factors. It is essential to analyze the intricate link between psychological state, physiological reaction, and athletic performance throughout this period [23]. The intensity and duration of the athletes’ rage may not have been adequate to induce significant VO2Max adaptations, which are primarily governed by cardiac and respiratory processes [3]. Sub-elite athletes may possess sophisticated emotional control techniques to mitigate the physiological arousal associated with rage [8].

Given that anxiety in sports, characterised by heightened apprehension, physiological arousal, and diminished concentration, is widely perceived to adversely affect performance, the correlation between these anxiety symptoms and VO2max in sub-elite athletes cannot be conclusively categorised as such [17]. The intricate interplay between psychological and physiological dimensions suggests that anxiety’s impact on aerobic capacity (VO2max) may be mitigated or exacerbated by several confounding variables [24]. Sub-elite athletes, having dedicated significant time and effort to their activities, exhibit complex coping and cognitive strategies in managing anxiety symptoms [11]. The impact of worry on the body’s oxygen-utilization capacity may be mitigated by physiological adaptations resulting from frequent physical activity.

An insignificant association may arise from the complex attributes of anxiety and aerobic capacity. Anxiety, as a psychological trait, manifests variably in people, encompassing diverse amounts of cognitive (worry), somatic (physiological arousal), and behavioral (attentional disturbance) components. The cognitive assessment of an individual’s emotional state significantly influences the relationship between anxiety and performance. This study prospectively examines whether increased anxiety enhances or hinders optimal athletic performance [9].

Aerobic capacity is contingent upon a variety of physiological characteristics, including circulatory, respiratory, and muscular variables, along with metabolic enzyme activity. Noncompetitive athletes may have developed coping methods that mitigate the adverse effects of pre-competition anxiety on VO2max. These approaches may encompass the utilisation of imagery, self-dialogue, or basic relaxation strategies to regulate emotions and maintain attention. Moreover, training programs for sub-elite athletes may emphasise the cultivation of a robust attitude and physique, enabling the athlete to perform efficiently under pressure [20].

The anticipated correlation between mental toughness and VO2 max in sub-elite athletes may not have been statistically significant due to several interrelated factors, including challenges in quantifying psychological constructs, the multivariate nature of sports performance, and the distinct characteristics of the sub-elite sports demographic [1]. Sub-elite refers to a performance level that is inferior to elite, characterized by variability in training history, development, competitive context, and psychological and physiological attributes among athletes in this group [29]. This heterogeneity may obscure a possible correlation between MT and aerobic capacity, since confounding factors such as skill level, tactical awareness, and resource availability are likely to exert a more significant effect on the observed relationships between these dimensions. The relationship between MT and physiological components (e.g., VO2max) is believed to be affected by the interdependence of these variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between psychological characteristics and V02Max in sub-elite athletes: A progressive approach. It was determined that emotion regulation and mood state confusion were the primary predictors. Adopting an emotional perspective may adversely affect physiological functioning due to increased stress or social attention. Cognitive dissonance might disrupt the impression of effort or pacing strategy, potentially impacting aerobic contribution. The findings underscore the significance of diverse methodologies in comprehensive sports performance, since psychological factors, particularly mood states and emotional control, can substantially influence VO2Max.

RECOMMENDATION

Further research is required to elucidate the correlation between psychological attributes and athletic performance, as well as to explore in greater depth the intricate interaction of psychological qualities and aerobic capacity as drivers of performance. This may encompass longitudinal or experimental designs that consider moderating variables such as training load, sleep quality, and sport-specific psychological profile. Qualitative approaches, like interviews and focus groups, may provide deeper understanding of athletes’ subjective experiences. Cross-cultural comparisons must be conducted to enhance the customisation of training. These strategies will enhance our comprehension of the mental and emotional factors influencing physical performance.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This study’s scope only limited to the Malaysian sub-elite athlete population using a cross-sectional method. The study would like to suggest a longitudinal study with psychological intervention (experimental) with specific types of sports; while considering the cultural background, household income, parenting style, and parent/family background related to sports involvement.

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