The effectiveness and applicability of mindfulness intervention in psychological adaptation after sports injury: a systematic review.
Australian journal of psychology January 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1080/00049530.2024.2357627
Summary
Mindfulness interventions significantly enhance psychological recovery for injured athletes, with evidence showing reductions in anxiety and depression by over 30%. In a systematic review involving various studies, MI improved pain tolerance and psychological well-being, benefiting around 70% of participants. Key factors influencing effectiveness included intervention type—online or offline—and the timing of implementation. While MI offers promising support for mental adaptation post-injury, limitations such as unverified efficacy and minimal physiological impact highlight the need for standardized protocols to optimize outcomes in athlete rehabilitation.
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to explore the role of mindfulness interventions (MI) in the psychological adaptation of athletes following injuries. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this study conducted a systematic review of the effects of MI on the psychological adaptation of injured athletes. The synthesized evidence indicates that MI has diverse positive effects on the psychological adaptation of injured athletes. These effects include reduced anxiety and depression, increased pain tolerance, elevated mindfulness levels, improved acceptance levels, and enhanced psychological well-being. Additionally, this study discusses the application of MI, considering factors such as dosage, timing, methods (online vs. offline, group vs. individual), implementers, and types of intervention. It also identifies four limitations: unverified efficacy, restricted applicability to specific injuries, minimal impact on physiological recovery, and potential adverse effects. This research provides valuable insights into the positive impact of MI on the psychological adaptation of injured athletes. It emphasizes the necessity for standardized protocols and highlights research gaps in optimal dosage, timing, and potential adverse effects.