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Objectives <p>Ultra-trail running presents unique psychological challenges, including prolonged pain, cognitive fatigue, and emotional volatility across events exceeding 42.195&#xa0;km and/or lasting more than 6&#xa0;hr. Given increasing attention to mental health concerns in ultra-endurance runners, this review synthesized evidence on whether mindfulness-based interventions may support both performance optimization and psychological well-being in this growing athletic domain.</p> Methods <p>We conducted a narrative integrative review synthesizing literature from six databases (1988–2024) across three domains: (1) conceptualizing ultra-trail performance beyond physiological factors; (2) examining the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on sport-relevant psychological mechanisms; and (3) developing evidence-informed recommendations for ultra-trail-specific adaptations. The review followed the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) scale principles for methodological rigor.</p> Results <p>Our synthesis suggested that mechanisms targeted by mindfulness-based training may map onto key ultra-trail demands, potentially supporting executive functions (including working memory), emotion regulation, flow-related processes, and pain-related appraisal. Four evidence-based protocols provide frameworks that can be adapted to ultra-endurance contexts. Key implementation strategies include progressive periodization, sport-specific techniques, individualized mindfulness menus for different race phases, and a dual focus on performance and well-being. Practical applications emphasize creating supportive coaching environments and using technology for progress monitoring. However, direct research in ultra-trail populations is limited, and methodological heterogeneity limits definitive conclusions.</p> Conclusions <p>MBIs represent a promising dual-purpose approach for ultra-trail athletes, potentially enhancing performance while protecting mental health. Future research should prioritize feasibility studies, randomized controlled trials with sport-specific outcomes, and longitudinal investigations. Systematic adaptation following established frameworks could develop validated mindfulness interventions addressing the unique intersection of extreme physical demands and psychological resilience in ultra-endurance sports.</p> Preregistration <p>This study is not preregistered.</p>

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Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Ultra-Trail Running: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Directions

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月11日

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  • Pierrick Laulan,
  • Ulrike Rimmele,
  • Jérôme Cuadrado

摘要

Objectives

Ultra-trail running presents unique psychological challenges, including prolonged pain, cognitive fatigue, and emotional volatility across events exceeding 42.195 km and/or lasting more than 6 hr. Given increasing attention to mental health concerns in ultra-endurance runners, this review synthesized evidence on whether mindfulness-based interventions may support both performance optimization and psychological well-being in this growing athletic domain.

Methods

We conducted a narrative integrative review synthesizing literature from six databases (1988–2024) across three domains: (1) conceptualizing ultra-trail performance beyond physiological factors; (2) examining the effects of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on sport-relevant psychological mechanisms; and (3) developing evidence-informed recommendations for ultra-trail-specific adaptations. The review followed the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) scale principles for methodological rigor.

Results

Our synthesis suggested that mechanisms targeted by mindfulness-based training may map onto key ultra-trail demands, potentially supporting executive functions (including working memory), emotion regulation, flow-related processes, and pain-related appraisal. Four evidence-based protocols provide frameworks that can be adapted to ultra-endurance contexts. Key implementation strategies include progressive periodization, sport-specific techniques, individualized mindfulness menus for different race phases, and a dual focus on performance and well-being. Practical applications emphasize creating supportive coaching environments and using technology for progress monitoring. However, direct research in ultra-trail populations is limited, and methodological heterogeneity limits definitive conclusions.

Conclusions

MBIs represent a promising dual-purpose approach for ultra-trail athletes, potentially enhancing performance while protecting mental health. Future research should prioritize feasibility studies, randomized controlled trials with sport-specific outcomes, and longitudinal investigations. Systematic adaptation following established frameworks could develop validated mindfulness interventions addressing the unique intersection of extreme physical demands and psychological resilience in ultra-endurance sports.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.