Mindfulness in Track and Field Performance Enhancement

Abstract

This study examined the impact of mindfulness on the enhancement of track and field performance, anxiety, and self-confidence. A group of track and field athletes completed a weeklong mindfulness intervention using the SmilingMind phone application or website. Before and after engaging in this intervention athletes were assessed for sports anxiety and self-confidence levels and their performances in their corresponding event area was recorded. The hypotheses that athletes who completed the mindfulness intervention would experience improvement in their track and field performance and self-confidence, and a decrease in sport anxiety compared to athletes who completed a control intervention, or no intervention was not supported. Potential explanations for these findings, including the methodological limitations encountered and suggestions for future research are discussed.