ABSTRACT
As explained in the introduction of the physiology chapter, the aim of exercise physiology is to understand how human systems work under different exercise conditions and regimes. Humans react differently under different stress levels and in various arousal states. Such conditions have various impacts on hormonal regulation, which affect muscle physiology and force production and changes the neural control of the movement pattern (Mikulas, 1994). Indeed, the impact of a ‘stress situation’ differs between the contexts of gymnastics training and competition. The way that gymnast interacts with the external environment (coach, team-mates, spectators and even the apparatus) changes according to the situation and subsequently, influences the quality of his or her performance.
