Psychophysiological indicators of flow state

Aim. The study aims to reveal objective psychophysiological indicators that are related to flow state. Materials and methods. Thirty-one (31) athletes of different competitive levels (20 females and 11 males, mean age 19.1 ± 4.59 years) participated in the study. The dynavision D2 training device was applied for creating optimal flow state conditions during the experiment. Physiological indicators were recorded by the Thought Technology hardware and software system. Heart rate variability, respiration rate (thoracic and abdominal), finger temperature, skin conductance were analyzed. Flow state depth was estimated based on the participants’ answers during the semi-structured interview that followed the experiment. Results. According to the results of the interview, all athletes were divided into two groups: the first group included athletes experiencing flow state (“flow” group), the second group composed of athletes who did not manage to experience flow state (“no-flow” group). When comparing these two groups after the experiment, it was revealed that the first group had higher levels of standard deviations of heart rate compared with the second group. In the first group (flow), the following indicators were significantly higher after the experiment: standard deviation of the RR-intervals (SDRR), skin conductance, and finger temperature. In the second group (no-flow), only skin conductance increased significantly. Conclusion. The results allow us to conclude that the flow state is characterized by a marked increase in the sympathetic nervous system (a higher level of stress compared to the same activity without flow).