Effect of Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement in College Athletes for Reducing Sports-Caused Anxiety and Improving Self-Awareness: A Critically Appraised Topic

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Shivam Garg Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

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Nancy A. Uriegas Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

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Zachary K. Winkelmann Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

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Morgan Adams Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

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Amy L. Fraley Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

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https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6439-3075
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijatt.2023-0054
Keywords:
stress; mindfulness; emotional regulation
First Published Online:
16 Aug 2024
First Corrected:
31 May 2024
Corrected:
16 Aug 2024
In Print:
Volume 29: Issue 5
Page Range:
235–239
Restricted access

Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) training is a relatively new concept, which focuses on helping athletes manage a variety of stressors experienced throughout a season, including performing well academically, staying fit, having a productive season in their sport, and maintaining a healthy social life. A need for a critical appraisal is needed to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Two cohort studies and one randomized control trial were included in the study and assessed using STROBE and PEDro Scale. Key results show, all 3 studies identified participants experiencing benefits after MSPE with aspects of awareness, acceptance, and emotion regulation. Furthermore, student-athletes who attended either all the sessions or more sessions after the 6-week course showed greater satisfaction with mental and physical health. Overall, there is level “B” evidence to support effectiveness of MSPE for college athletes in reducing sport anxiety and improving their overall well-being.

There is level B evidence to support the integration of Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) to help collegiate athlete reduce anxiety, stress, and improve overall well-being. This recommendation is based on Level 2 of evidence with consistent findings exhibited by the studies reviewed.

Participants in all the studies reported improvement using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales; Sports Rating Form; and/or Dispositional Flow Scale, Sports Anxiety Scale, pre, and postintervention.

The more MSPE sessions an athlete attended the greater improvement they noticed in their ability to balance academics, sports, and social life.

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