Changes in Cardiovascular and Emotional Responses of Spectators While Watching a Figure Skating Star ‘Yuna Kim’s Final Performance in 2014 Winter Olympics

The purpose of the present study was to explore the influences of unanticipated results from the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic figure skating competition on the physiological and psychological responses of spectators. 15 males, who were all supporters of the figure skater Yuna Kim, participated in this study. They watched the figure skating performances of the final games in real time in Korea. Heart rate, chest and finger temperature were recorded for two hours every 5 s and eight emotions were assessed. The results showed that heart rate increased by 15±14 bpm (p＜0.05) and finger temperature decreased by 4.9±2.4℃ (p＜.05) during Yuna Kim’s performance. Tension, depression, anger, vigor, and excitement were significantly higher in the after-values compared to the before-values (p＜.05). Heart rate showed significant relationships with fatigue (r= -.519), boredom (r= -.612), and vigor (r= .544). These results indicate that emotional changes evoked while watching a sporting event induced acceleration in cardiovascular responses and vasoconstriction in peripheral vascular responses. It is suggested that accelerated tension and excitement while watching a sporting event stimulate sympathetic nerves along with causing blood concentration to the brain, which might result in the peripheral vascular constriction and the increase in heart rate.