# Physiological and psychological responses to coaching: An exploratory case report from professional Australian rules football

## TL;DR

This case report explores how coaching professional Australian Rules football affects a coach's heart rate and psychological state during matches.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into physiological and psychological responses of coaches during match-play in professional sports.

## Key findings

- Heart rate fluctuated during match-play, with locomotion during breaks contributing to elevated values.
- Psychological outcomes varied based on match outcomes, showing differences in stress and recovery perceptions.

## Abstract

Coaching professional sport is stressful, yet there is little information detailing the physiological and psychological responses of coaches during match-play. This case report examined physiological and psychological alterations when coaching professional Australian Rules football. One experienced head coach was monitored for heart rate, stress-related hormones and psychological stress before, during and after seven matches. Heart rate fluctuated during match-play, with locomotion during match breaks contributing to elevated values. Stress hormones did not change, while the psychological questionnaire revealed differences in perceptions of accomplishment, success, recovery and stress related to match outcome. This case report indicated substantial elevations in heart rate while coaching professional football and furthermore, differences in psychological outcomes from winning or losing suggests the need to develop contextualised recovery and coping strategies. With coaching eliciting alterations to physical and psychological markers in this case, confirmatory research with larger cohorts should examine cardiovascular health and well-being strategies in coaches.