Effects of group mindfulness intervention on high-level distance runners: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Introduction: This study explored the impact of the Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) program, adapted for elite distance runners. Methods: Twenty Hungarian national and international-level athletes participated in a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group (n = 10) completed a six-week MSPE intervention, while the control group (n = 10) received no mental training. Psychological constructs, including flow, competitive anxiety, mindfulness, and emotion regulation, were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Results showed significant improvements in the experimental group across most variables, particularly flow and cognitive anxiety, with no changes in the control group. Discussion: These findings highlight the effectiveness of a group-based mindfulness program in enhancing mental well-being and performance in elite runners. The scalable, structured format offers a practical alternative to traditional sports psychology approaches for high-performance athletes.