Unpacking the Stress of Football Fandom
For many, supporting a national team during major tournaments like the World Cup is an intense emotional journey. From the anticipation of national anthems to the elation of a goal and the despair of a loss, these moments clearly elicit strong bodily reactions. But what are the actual physiological effects of this emotional rollercoaster? Is it detrimental to health, or can it be benign, or even beneficial?
To delve into this question, a health and science correspondent, James Gallagher, collaborated with two scientists from the University of South Wales. Their aim was to objectively measure the body's response during England's opening World Cup match against Croatia. The experiment, conducted in a Bristol taproom, involved an array of scientific equipment to monitor various physiological parameters in real-time.
The Experimental Setup: Wires, Probes, and Saliva Samples
Professor Damian Bailey and his PhD student Danny Walmsley meticulously prepared Gallagher for the experiment. This involved attaching numerous probes, wires, and cuffs to his left arm and hand. More uniquely, ultrasound probes were fixed to his head with gel to measure cerebral blood flow. A saliva sample, collected by chewing an absorbent stick, was also taken to analyze stress hormones like cortisol, alongside 2,000 other proteins.
As kick-off approached, Gallagher also began breathing into a device to track his respiratory rate and carbon dioxide output. The extensive setup, which drew considerable attention from fellow pub-goers, was designed to capture second-by-second changes in his body throughout the match.
A Thrilling Match and Measurable Stress
The match itself proved to be ideal for the experiment: a six-goal thriller filled with dramatic highs and lows. Early in the game, a penalty awarded to England, initially saved but then re-taken due to an infringement, resulted in a goal by Harry Kane. This moment triggered a clear physiological response in Gallagher. His heart rate, which had been in the low to mid-50s, surged to 69 beats per minute within half a second of the goal. His blood pressure also increased, and a reduction in exhaled carbon dioxide suggested a slight hyperventilation, leading to a temporary decrease in brain blood flow. Saliva tests further confirmed an increase in the stress hormone cortisol, rising from a relaxed 4.19 nmol/L pre-match to 5.15 nmol/L at the final whistle. These combined readings indicated a classic stress response.
Despite the initial excitement and subsequent fluctuations as Croatia equalized and England took the lead again before halftime, the second half was calmer, concluding with an England victory of 4-2.
Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: Individual Variability
Professor Bailey highlighted that while 'stress' often carries negative connotations, there's also 'good stress' (eustress) which, from an evolutionary perspective, is crucial for survival by activating fight-or-flight responses. He characterized Gallagher's readings as akin to a 'mild form of exercise,' promoting physiological elevation followed by quick recovery, suggesting it was beneficial for his health, albeit without calorie expenditure.
However, Bailey emphasized that this positive outcome is not universal. He noted Gallagher's 'nerves of steel' and physically active lifestyle contributed to his relatively low stress response. For individuals with pre-existing heart or brain conditions, or those who are highly sensitive to stress, the physiological strain of watching an intense match could be significant. Rapid increases in heart rate, tightening blood vessels, elevated blood pressure, and thickened blood could, in extreme cases, trigger serious events like heart attacks. Altered breathing patterns could also lead to fainting due to changes in cerebral blood flow.
Ultimately, the impact of watching high-stakes football on an individual's health appears to be highly dependent on their personal physiological resilience and underlying health status. While for some, it might be a stimulating, even beneficial experience, for others, it could pose risks.
Source: How stressful is watching the World Cup? Scientists tested me to find out