Art therapy and body-oriented practices in sports training

The article examines the potential applications of art therapy and body-oriented practices as tools for optimizing the psycho-emotional state of athletes and enhancing the effectiveness of the training process. A comprehensive analysis of current literature allowed the identification of psychophysiological mechanisms underlying these approaches, including the regulation of emotional states, normalization of autonomic nervous system functions, enhancement of body awareness, and the development of adaptive self-regulation skills. The study highlights the role of these methods in increasing stress resilience, attention focus, and intrinsic motivation among athletes, as well as their integration into different stages of the training cycle. The paper proposes prospective models for implementing these practices, emphasizing individualized interventions, phased integration, and the combined use of creative and somatic techniques, taking into account the specifics of the sport discipline. Practical recommendations are outlined for coaches, sports psychologists, and other practitioners regarding the application of art and body-oriented techniques during preparatory, main, and recovery training blocks, including in group formats. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a comprehensive approach and multidisciplinary collaboration to achieve optimal psychophysiological outcomes. The study demonstrates that the combined use of art therapy and body-oriented methods promotes emotional balance, enhances adaptive capacities, and strengthens the athlete’s ability to maintain functional readiness under stress. The theoretical findings provide a foundation for developing targeted psycho-emotional support programs for athletes and improving modern training methodologies. The results underline the potential of these approaches to contribute not only to athletic performance but also to the holistic well-being and personal development of athletes.