The effect of mindfulness training on the psychological state of high-level athletes: Meta analysis and system evaluation research

Abstract

To investigate the impact of mindfulness training on mindfulness, psychological resilience, flow state, subjective well-being, sports anxiety, sports depression, and psychological fatigue among elite athletes through a meta-analysis. Databases like PubMed, Web of Science, and others were searched for randomized controlled trials up to October 31, 2024. Included studies compared mindfulness training interventions to non-mindfulness training in elite athletes. The outcome indicators were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Among 6917 articles, 32 studies with 1108 athletes (560 experimental, 548 control) were included. Mindfulness training significantly improved mindfulness (p<0.01), psychological resilience (p<0.05), flow state (p<0.01), sports anxiety (p<0.01), sports depression (p<0.01), and psychological fatigue dimensions (p<0.01) but not subjective well-being (p>0.05). MAC, MAIC, MBSP, and MT were effective for mindfulness. The best intervention duration was 7 weeks, with sessions lasting over 60 minutes once a week. MAC was best for psychological resilience. MBSP, MT, and MAC improved flow state. MBSP and MT alleviated anxiety, while MBSR was effective for depression. MAIC training mitigated psychological fatigue. Mindfulness training positively impacts elite athletes' psychological state, enhancing mindfulness, resilience, flow, and alleviating anxiety, depression, and psychological fatigue, but not subjective well-being. Optimal methods and durations vary by outcome.

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