The INFLUENCE OF STRESS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ADOLESCENT ATHLETES IN OLYMPIC MARTIAL ARTS:

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Stress is a major psychological factor that influences athletes' performance, especially in the context of combat sports. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA method, investigates the relationship between stress and performance in adolescent athletes (14–18 years old) practicing
Olympic martial arts, based on studies published between 2010 and 2025. The results show that
excessive anticipatory stress (measured through salivary cortisol or psychometric questionnaires) is
associated with a decrease in competitive performance, while an optimal level of stress during
confrontation can have a positive mobilizing effect. The ability to manage stress, supported by
psychological preparation, proves essential for optimizing sports performance in this age group.