The effectiveness and applicability of mindfulness intervention in psychological adaptation after sports injury: a systematic review.

Mindfulness interventions can help injured athletes psychologically adapt by reducing anxiety and depression, increasing pain tolerance, and improving well-being, though their effect on physiological recovery is minimal and applicability may be limited to specific injuries. The review calls for standardized protocols and notes gaps in optimal dosage, timing, and potential adverse effects.

Study at a glance

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.