The biology of fandom: Live sports synchronize spectator heart rates and elevate oxytocin

Attending a live sporting event has been linked to changes in hormone levels and physical synchronization among fans. A study published in Translational Psychiatry found that watching a college basketball game led to fluctuations in oxytocin, a hormone involved in social bonding, and synchronized heart rates across the crowd. These physiological changes were associated with feelings of unity, enjoyment, and a desire to return to future games.

Oxytocin, often called a bonding hormone, plays a role in social behavior, emotional regulation, and human connections. Researchers from the University of Tsukuba in Japan studied 60 adult spectators attending two home basketball games. They monitored participants' physiological responses through saliva samples and optical heart rate sensors. Heart rate synchrony occurred as spectators' cardiac rhythms aligned in response to the game's shared emotions.

The study aimed to find everyday activities that naturally stimulate oxytocin production, as clinical trials of intranasal oxytocin have shown mixed results. Previous research on martial arts and competitive video gaming provided a foundation for this investigation. The researchers observed that oxytocin levels increased among spectators who started with lower baseline levels, while those with higher levels maintained elevated concentrations throughout the game.

This finding was particularly notable because oxytocin release occurred without physical contact, highlighting the power of shared emotions and attention in promoting social bonding.

The researchers found that higher oxytocin levels were associated with greater enjoyment and a stronger sense of unity with both the players and fellow fans. Statistical models showed that the increase in enjoyment helped connect oxytocin levels to feelings of unity. During the game, spectators' cardiovascular rhythms began to align, indicating that the patterns of the fans became more tightly matched as the event progressed.