Associations between physical fitness and mental toughness in competitive adolescent dance sport athletes

Mental toughness (MT) is considered a major contributing factor for performing at high level in competitive sporting events. Despite its importance, few studies have examined probable correlations between MT and physical fitness (PF). Since both constructs are equally important in sport, it is necessary to establish whether MT may be correlated with PF. Two-hundred and nineteen competitive adolescent dancers took part in the study (mean age: 16.8±1.4 years; height: 169.5±8.7 cm; body mass: 61.4±9.2 kg; 58% girls). PF was assessed by the body mass index (body composition), standing broad jump (muscular fitness), sit-ups in 30 seconds (repetitive strength), 10x5 shuttle run (agility), sit-and-reach test (flexibility), and the 20-m shuttle run test (cardiorespiratory fitness). The Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) was used to evaluate MT. In boys, MT was positively correlated with standing broad jump ( r = 0.54), sit-ups in 30 seconds ( r = 0.56), the 20-m shuttle run test ( r = 0.61) and the sit-and-reach test ( r = 0.34) and negatively correlated with the 10x5 shuttle run test ( r = -0.43). In girls, MT was also positively correlated with standing broad jump ( r = 0.48), sit-ups in 30 seconds ( r = 0.46), the 20-m shuttle run test ( r = 0.53) and the sit-and-reach test ( r = 0.30) and negatively correlated with the 10x5 shuttle run test ( r = -0.32). Regardless of sex, no significant correlations between MT and body composition were observed ( r = 0.12 in boys and r = 0.10 in girls). This study shows that PF parameters are correlated well with MT. This would suggest that both physical and psychological components need to be investigated to examine potential co-existence between them. Also, interventions aiming to enhance MT throughout PF are warranted.