Background <p>Mental preparation is a fundamental aspect of athletic performance. We present here an experiment aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a blended intervention to promote mindfulness and self-confidence and a reduction of anxiety among professional athletes.</p> Methods <p>The intervention, delivered through an application for smartphones, included eight weekly modules with variable and progressive training and relaxation exercises. Meetings with the athletes took place every 2 weeks. The study involved 41 tennis players who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group. Data were analyzed via repeated measures ANOVA.</p> Results <p>The results showed a significant change in self-confidence, arousal control, anxiety, awareness and refocusing in the experimental group and no significant change in the control group.</p> Conclusion <p>The blended intervention showed good results in only 8 weeks, thus again emphasizing the effectiveness of breathing and relaxation techniques opening the door for future studies and interventions that can use new technologies to promote athletes’ well-being and performance.</p> Trial registration <p>Current Controlled Trials NCT06212986, 01/18/2024 - Retrospectively registered.</p>

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Enhancing psychological skills and well-being in sport through an app-based blended intervention: a randomized controlled pilot study

  • Sara Bordo,
  • Gabriele Costanzo,
  • Daniela Villani

摘要

Background

Mental preparation is a fundamental aspect of athletic performance. We present here an experiment aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of a blended intervention to promote mindfulness and self-confidence and a reduction of anxiety among professional athletes.

Methods

The intervention, delivered through an application for smartphones, included eight weekly modules with variable and progressive training and relaxation exercises. Meetings with the athletes took place every 2 weeks. The study involved 41 tennis players who were randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group. Data were analyzed via repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

The results showed a significant change in self-confidence, arousal control, anxiety, awareness and refocusing in the experimental group and no significant change in the control group.

Conclusion

The blended intervention showed good results in only 8 weeks, thus again emphasizing the effectiveness of breathing and relaxation techniques opening the door for future studies and interventions that can use new technologies to promote athletes’ well-being and performance.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials NCT06212986, 01/18/2024 - Retrospectively registered.