Overview
- Fans in the stadium averaged about 94 beats per minute during the cup final versus 79 in front of the TV, with public viewing audiences averaging 74.
- The average stress level on the final day was 45.3 on a 0–100 scale compared with 31.9 on regular days, an increase of roughly 41 percent.
- Elevated arousal was detectable roughly 14 hours before kickoff and surged at emotional moments, with the first Bielefeld goal pushing stadium pulses to about 108 bpm.
- Participants who consumed alcohol recorded around 5 percent higher heart rates than non-drinkers, prompting warnings about potential heart rhythm disturbances under stress.
- The authors emphasize the findings show associations rather than causation and suggest proximity and emotional contagion as possible factors, with the peer-reviewed study published in Scientific Reports.