Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Sports-Anxiety, Pessimism, and Flow in Competitive Cyclists.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether mindfulness training could enhance mindfulness and flow experience while reducing sport-specific anxiety and pessimism in athletes.
Results Summary
The mindfulness intervention significantly improved mindfulness, flow, and reduced pessimism in cyclists compared to the control group, with changes in mindfulness positively linked to changes in flow.
Population
Cyclists (27 in the intervention group, 20 in the control group)
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Eight weeks
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness training | increase | athletes' mindfulness | athletes | - | increases | #1 |
mindfulness training | increase | flow experience | athletes | - | increases | #2 |
mindfulness training | decrease | sport-specific anxiety | athletes | - | decreases | #3 |
mindfulness training | decrease | sport-specific pessimism | athletes | - | decreases | #4 |
eight-week mindfulness intervention | increase | mindfulness | 27 cyclists in the mindfulness intervention condition | - | showed significant positive effects on | #5 |
eight-week mindfulness intervention | increase | flow | 27 cyclists in the mindfulness intervention condition | - | showed significant positive effects on | #6 |
eight-week mindfulness intervention | decrease | pessimism | 27 cyclists in the mindfulness intervention condition | - | showed significant positive effects on | #7 |
mindfulness-based interventions tailored to specific athletic pursuits | increase | flow experiences | - | - | can be effective in facilitating | #8 |
BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether mindfulness training increases athletes' mindfulness and flow experience and decreases sport-specific anxiety and sport-specific pessimism. METHODS: Cyclists were assigned to an eight-week mindfulness intervention, which incorporated a mindful spin-bike training component, or a wait-list control condition. Participants completed baseline and post-test measures of mindfulness, flow, sport-anxiety, and sport-related pessimistic attributions. RESULTS: Analyses of covariance showed significant positive effects on mindfulness, flow, and pessimism for the 27 cyclists in the mindfulness intervention condition compared with the 20 cyclists in the control condition. Changes in mindfulness experienced by the intervention participants were positively associated with changes in flow. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that mindfulness-based interventions tailored to specific athletic pursuits can be effective in facilitating flow experiences.