Emotional Synchronisation and Motor Coordination in Artistic Swimming: The Role of Team Cohesion in Synchronised Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17309/tmfv.2026.3.22Keywords:
artistic swimming, team cohesion, motor synchronisation, emotional attunement, sports psychology, team performanceAbstract
Background. Motor synchronisation is a key determinant of performance in artistic swimming; however, it is primarily analysed from a technical perspective, with limited consideration of emotional and relational processes within the team. A more comprehensive understanding of synchronised performance requires analysis of the interaction between emotional attunement, team cohesion, and collective motor coordination.
Objectives. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between emotional attunement, team cohesion, and motor synchronisation in artistic swimming, with particular attention to the effects of an educational intervention focused on relational and emotional skills.
Materials and Methods. A mixed-methods quasi-experimental design was employed. The sample consisted of 150 competitive artistic swimmers aged 17–28 years, divided into an experimental group and a control group. Participants were additionally stratified into three age subgroups (17–19, 20–23, and 24–28 years). The experimental group underwentan educational programme designed to enhance team cohesion and emotional awareness. Quantitative data were collected using the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) and structured video analysis of routines, whereas qualitative data were obtained through focus groups. Independent samples t-tests and subgroup analyses were conducted. A two-way ANOVA (Group × Age group) was performed to examine the interaction between intervention and age.
Results. The experimental group demonstrated significantly higher levels of group cohesion across all GEQ dimensions compared to the control group (e.g., Group Integration–Task: M = 7.8 vs. 6.5; t = 4.21; p < .01; d = 0.78). Similar differences were identified for Group Integration–Social (M = 7.6 vs. 6.3; p < .01) and Individual Attraction dimensions (p < .05). The experimental group also achieved significantly higher motor synchronisation scores across all indicators, including temporal precision (87% vs. 74%), body position uniformity (85% vs. 72%), synchronisation with music (88% vs. 76%), and execution timing consistency (86% vs. 73%) (p < .05). These differences remained stable across all age subgroups. ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of group (p < .01), whereas the main effect of age and the interaction effect (Group × Age group) were non-significant (p > .05). Qualitative findings additionally highlighted the importance of trust, non-verbal communication, and shared emotional states in facilitating coordination.
Conclusions. Motor synchronisation in artistic swimming should be considered not only a technical skill but also a multidimensional process influenced by emotional attunement and team cohesion. Educational interventions targeting relational and emotional dynamics may substantially improve collective coordination and performance quality in team sports, independently of age-related differences.Downloads
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Copyright (c) 2026 Giovanna Scala, Federica Badii Esposito, Domenico Tafuri
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