Exploring the Impact of a Low-Dose Mindfulness Intervention on Perceived Exertion, Attention, and Rowing Performance
Rebekah Bakken-Gay1, Sarah E Junkersfeld1, Robyn Braun-Trocchio1
1Department of Kinesiology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA.
A four-week mindfulness video intervention did not significantly alter rowing performance or psychophysiological responses compared to a placebo. While perceived exertion decreased and attention shifted, these effects were not group-specific, suggesting low-dose interventions may be insufficient.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Psychology
- Mindfulness Research
Background:
- Mindfulness interventions are increasingly explored for their potential to influence exercise physiology and performance.
- Previous research suggests mindfulness may impact perceived exertion and attentional focus during physical activity.
- The efficacy of low-dose, pre-exercise mindfulness interventions, particularly via video, remains underexplored in athletic contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a four-week low-dose mindfulness intervention on perceived exertion, heart rate, and attentional allocation during a rowing task.
- To assess the impact of the intervention on rowing performance metrics, including power output, distance rowed, and strokes per minute.
- To compare the outcomes between a mindfulness intervention group and a placebo group.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two physically active adults with no prior meditation experience participated in a four-week study.
- Participants were randomized into a mindfulness intervention group (watching guided meditation videos) or a placebo group (watching nature videos).
- Each session involved watching a video followed by a 25-minute rowing task, with assessments before and after the intervention period.
Main Results:
- No significant group-by-session interactions were found for any measured variables, indicating no differential effect of the mindfulness intervention.
- A significant decrease in perceived exertion and a shift from dissociative to associative attention were observed in both groups post-intervention.
- Both groups demonstrated improved rowing performance, with increased power output and distance rowed after the intervention period.
Conclusions:
- A low-dose, pre-exercise mindfulness video intervention did not yield significant psychophysiological or performance benefits compared to a placebo.
- The observed improvements in perceived exertion, attention, and performance were likely due to repeated exposure to the rowing task (practice effect).
- Future research should explore higher-dosage mindfulness interventions or real-time guided practices to potentially enhance athletic outcomes.
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