Assessment of psychophysiological preparedness of qualified cyclists under mixed relay conditions

Mixed relay cycling has emerged as a dynamic discipline requiring not only high physical capacity but also advanced psychophysiological stability due to alternating race segments and increased coordination demands between male and female athletes. Despite growing scientific interest in cycling performance, limited research has provided integrated psychophysiological monitoring under real mixed relay conditions. The present study aimed to assess the psychophysiological preparedness of qualified cyclists and to analyze changes in cardiovascular, neuromuscular, and cognitive indicators during competition. Twelve qualified cyclists (n = 12) participated in a three-stage monitoring protocol (baseline, race load, recovery). Heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured using Polar V800 monitoring, neuromuscular activity was assessed via electromyography (EMG), reaction time was evaluated using the Vienna Test System, and stress tolerance was determined using the Cohen–Davidson scale. Statistical analysis included mean (M ± SD) values with significance set at p < 0.05. During competition, HR increased by 127%, EMG activity increased by 26%, and reaction time improved by 16%, reflecting enhanced central nervous system activation and neuromuscular coordination under race conditions. HRV temporarily decreased during load but returned to baseline during recovery, indicating stable autonomic regulation. Comparative analysis demonstrated that the psychophysiological indicators of qualified Uzbek cyclists were comparable to those of elite international athletes, with minor differences in reaction time and stress tolerance. The findings confirm that psychophysiological preparedness plays a critical role in mixed relay cycling performance. Regular monitoring of HRV, EMG, reaction speed, and stress parameters is recommended to individualize training loads and optimize competitive readiness.

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