Effects of group mindfulness intervention on high-level distance runners: a quasi-experimental study.

INTRODUCTION

This study explored the impact of the Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) program, adapted for elite distance runners.

METHODS

Twenty Hungarian national and international-level athletes participated in a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group ( = 10) completed a six-week MSPE intervention, while the control group ( = 10) received no mental training. Psychological constructs, including flow, competitive anxiety, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS

Results showed significant improvements in the experimental group across most variables, particularly flow and cognitive anxiety, with no changes in the control group.

DISCUSSION

These findings highlight the effectiveness of a group-based mindfulness program in enhancing mental well-being and performance in elite runners. The scalable, structured format offers a practical alternative to traditional sports psychology approaches for high-performance athletes.