What is the term for a change in the environment that affects performance?

The term that refers to a change in the environment that affects performance is "stimulus." In the context of sports and physical performance, a stimulus can be any external factor or event that prompts a reaction or response from an athlete. This could include various elements such as changes in weather, an opponent’s actions, or modifications to the playing surface.

Understanding stimuli is crucial for athletes, coaches, and sports scientists, as they help to anticipate and adapt to different conditions during training and competition. Recognizing and effectively responding to various stimuli can enhance performance and strategy in competitive situations.

The other terms have specific meanings that do not exactly fit the definition presented. For instance, "condition" typically refers to the physical state of an athlete or the training environment rather than a direct change in the environment. A "trigger" often denotes something that initiates a sequence of events but is not commonly used to describe environmental changes. "Response," on the other hand, refers to the actions taken by an athlete following a stimulus, rather than the environmental change itself. Thus, "stimulus" is the most accurate term for the context of this question.