Assessing the Effects of Dodgeball on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Mental Toughness

This study delves into the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and psychological well-being among dodgeball players in Malaysia, taking into consideration the backdrop of a sport associated with reinforcing oppression. The research involved forty-nine participants hailing from Perak state Dodgeball Clubs, spanning ages 20 to 69. To evaluate their cardiovascular fitness, the Rockport walking test was administered, while the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) was utilized to assess mental toughness. The SMTQ scores were further categorized into sub-dimensions, which include confidence, consistency, and control. Notably, the control sub-dimension exhibited the highest mean score (x̅ = 36.38, σ = 10.28), followed by consistency with a mean score of (x̅ = 35.63, σ = 13.77), and lastly, confidence, which garnered a mean score of (x̅ = 24.61, σ = 3.27). Surprisingly, despite a significant proportion of participants achieving ‘Superior’ VO2max scores (36.73%), Pearson correlation analysis failed to establish any statistically significant relationship between VO2max scores and psychological well-being. These findings suggest that a decline in physical fitness levels may not directly impact the psychological well-being of recreational dodgeball players. This research brings to light the intricate dynamics between physical and psychological factors in the realm of this sport and carries implications for comprehending mental resilience and well-being in athletic contexts.