The Impact of Meaningful vs. Neutral Symbol Visualization on Sport-Related Performance

The study will provide preliminary information for sport psychology and performance research by examining the relationship among symbolic meaning, physiological response, psychological response, and performance-related measures. It may help determine whether a personally meaningful animal symbol is associated with different HRV, trait sport-confidence, rope climbing speed, and grip-strength responses than a neutral wooden-block symbol. Results may help refine future studies of visualization, competitive identity, psychological skills training, and performance. Because this is a pilot study, findings will be interpreted cautiously and used primarily to assess feasibility, estimate preliminary effects, and improve the protocol for future research.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older. * Male wrestler currently participating in training or competition or redshirting. * Practiced symbol visualization for at least 6 months prior to the start of this study Exclusion Criteria: * Current injury or illness that makes the planned physical performance testing inappropriate according to institutional/team medical guidance (e.g., recent concussion with persistent symptoms).