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DFB Cup final: Study about heartbeats and stress among Arminia fans!
Bielefeld University is conducting a study to examine the influence of the DFB Cup final on fans' vital functions using smartwatches.
DFB Cup final: Study about heartbeats and stress among Arminia fans!
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the highly anticipated DFB Cup final between VfB Stuttgart and Arminia Bielefeld will take place in Germany. This game has not only sporting but also scientific significance. A study by Bielefeld University in collaboration with the Wissenwerkstadt Bielefeld examines the influence of the game on the fans' vital functions, in particular pulse rate and stress level. This research aims to analyze the physical reactions of supporters of the traditional sport of football, to record what happens on the sidelines and thus to build a bridge between sport and health.
The first survey of its kind targeted Arminia supporters, and the feedback was overwhelming. Nearly 200 fans have already signed up to take part in this groundbreaking study. In order to meet the varied requirements, the field of participants was expanded to include fans of VfB Stuttgart after numerous inquiries were received. One goal of the study is to recruit around 100 VfB supporters. The project is led by Professor Dr. Christian Deutscher, Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science, and Professor Dr. Christiane Fuchs, who leads the data science group in the Faculty of Economics, coordinates.
Study objective and methodology
The central hypothesis of the study is that the DFB Cup final has a significant impact on the health of its viewers. Previous studies, such as those conducted during the 2014 World Cup, have shown that the increase in heart attacks in the fan community is significantly higher around major sporting events. The data should not only be recorded during the game, but also before and after the final.
The study uses modern technology to measure fans' vital functions. Garmin smartwatches serve as data collecting devices. Eligibility to participate explicitly refers to users of these devices, as only these devices can be tapped for research purposes in accordance with data protection guidelines. Participants must be willing to share data about their activities, health statistics, routes and training.
A contribution to research
The results of this study are intended not only to provide insights to experts in the sciences, but also to be made available to the public. This could raise awareness of the health implications of team sports and being a fan. The research work and the underlying data therefore make a valuable contribution to a previously under-researched area of sports science.
A previous study on the importance of team sports also confirmed that physical activity has positive effects on health. These findings support the need for more research, particularly in social contexts such as football. The master's thesis, which focused on the health of football players in the Viennese amateur sector, also proves these positive effects and shows that the frequency of training correlates with an improvement in health.
In the planned study on the DFB Cup final, it is expected that between 100 and 300 participants will come forward in order to collect valid data and thus make a comprehensive contribution to research.
For those interested, registration options and further information are available on the website Knowledge workshop city Bielefeld and the Bielefeld University ready. The first results will be published after the cup final and could provide new impetus for the connection between sport and mental and physical health.