Effect of yoga and mindfulness on psychological correlates in young athletes: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis of 15 studies found that yoga and mindfulness practices significantly improve mindfulness and flow state in athletes aged 18–45, while reducing stress. The effect on mindfulness showed a mean difference of -2.6 (95% CI, -3.85 to -1.37), and flow state showed a standardized mean difference of 3.13 (95% CI, 2.48 to 3.77). Stress reduction was also significant (SMD -0.74, 95% CI, -0.97 to -0.52). However, effects on attention and awareness, action and acceptance, and anxiety were not statistically significant. The analysis suggests yoga and mindfulness offer complementary benefits for athletes' psychological health and performance.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This meta-analysis planned to assess the impact of yoga and mindfulness practice in reducing stress and anxiety to improve athletes' sports performance. Several databases were electronically searched for eligible articles till September 2022. Participants aged 18-45 yrs, male and female, and recreational athletes from different sports were included. Athletes' stress, competitive anxiety, and sports performance were measured. The mean difference or standardized mean difference with a 95% confidence interval was calculated in RevMan software 5.4. The fixed effect model was applied to test the statistical significance difference and heterogeneity (p < 0.05). The GRADE pro evidence was also created to assess the quality of evidence. Results were analyzed with pooled data from fifteen articles. Forest plots showed an overall significant effect of yoga and mindfulness on Mindfulness [Z = 4.13 (p < 0.0001)] [(I2 = 48%), MD -2.6, (95% CI, -3.85, -1.37)] and flow state [Z = 9.49 (p < 0.00001)] [(I2 = 85%), SMD 3.13, (95% CI, 2.48, 3.77)]. The insignificant effects were noted on attention and awareness [Z = 1.51 (p = 0.13)] [(I2 = 25%), SMD -0.26, (95% CI, -0.60, 0.80)], and action and acceptance [Z = 0.43 (p = 0.67)] [(I2 = 0%), MD 0.20, (95% CI, -0.69, 1.08)]. We also observed a significant effect for the comparison of stress [Z = 6.56 (p < 0.00001)] [(I2 = 76%), SMD -0.74, (95% CI, -0.97, 0.52)] and an insignificant effect for comparing anxiety [Z = 1.62 (p = 0.11)] [(I2 = 14%), SMD -0.31, (95% CI, -0.69, 0.07)]. The findings of this meta-analysis provides valuable insights to the beneficial or complementary effects of yoga and mindfulness on athletes' psychological health and sports performance.