Mobile-Delivered Mindfulness Intervention on Anxiety Level Among College Athletes: Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal of Medical Internet Research
|March 8, 2024
Summary
A mobile mindfulness intervention did not significantly reduce anxiety in college athletes. However, the "observation" facet of mindfulness showed a trend toward improvement, suggesting potential benefits with adjusted scheduling.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sports Science
- Mental Health Interventions
Background:
- College athletes frequently experience anxiety, yet research on interventions for this demographic is limited.
- Anxiety significantly impacts the performance and well-being of student-athletes.
- Mindfulness interventions show promise for mental health but require tailored approaches for athletic populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a mobile-delivered mindfulness intervention for reducing anxiety in college athletes.
- To evaluate the intervention's impact on mindfulness levels, as measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).
- To explore differences in anxiety and mindfulness between athletes in group versus individual sports.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 288 college athletes from a Shanghai university.
- Intervention group received therapist-guided, smartphone-delivered mindfulness training; control group received mental health promotion messages.
- Generalized linear modeling and intent-to-treat analysis were used to compare outcomes in anxiety and FFMQ dimensions.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found in dispositional, precompetition, or competition anxiety between groups.
- A non-significant trend towards improvement was observed in the 'observation' facet of mindfulness in the intervention group (P=.09).
- Athletes in group sports reported higher anxiety and lower mindfulness in 'nonjudgemental inner experience' and 'nonreactivity' compared to individual sport athletes.
Conclusions:
- The mobile mindfulness intervention did not yield significant anxiety reduction in this college athlete cohort.
- Participant feedback suggests time constraints and attendance issues may have limited intervention effectiveness.
- Future interventions should consider student-friendly scheduling and focus on improving cognitive and scholastic outcomes alongside mental health.
Keywords:
anxietyathletesbodycalmnesscognitioncollegecollege studentsfeasibilityfeedbackinterventionmHealthmeditationmindfulnessmobileparticipantpositiveprogramrelaxationsleepstudentsMore Related Videos
10:45A Community-based Stress Management Program: Using Wearable Devices to Assess Whole Body Physiological Responses in Non-laboratory Settings
Published on: January 22, 2018
7.7K
05:06Author Spotlight: Integrating Tai Chi with Mindfulness Training to Achieve an Effective Mind-Body Exercise
Published on: July 14, 2023
1.7K
Related Concept Videos
01:18Anxiety: Overview
268
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
268
01:25Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
60
Regular exercise and meditation serve as essential tools in managing stress and promoting physical and mental well-being.
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
60