The INFLUENCE OF STRESS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF ADOLESCENT ATHLETES IN OLYMPIC MARTIAL ARTS:

Stress is a major psychological factor that influences athletes' performance, especially in the context of combat sports. This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA method, investigates the relationship between stress and performance in adolescent athletes (14–18 years old) practicingOlympic martial arts, based on studies published between 2010 and 2025. The results show thatexcessive anticipatory stress (measured through salivary cortisol or psychometric questionnaires) isassociated with a decrease in competitive performance, while an optimal level of stress duringconfrontation can have a positive mobilizing effect. The ability to manage stress, supported bypsychological preparation, proves essential for optimizing sports performance in this age group.