Athletic Performance, Coherence (Heart-Mind Synchronization), Mental Toughness
Conditions
Keywords
Swimming, Imagery, Mental Toughness, Coherence, Heart Rate Variability, Breathing Exercises, Sports Psychology, Athletic Performance, Mental Training
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week imagery and breathing exercise intervention on 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness, and heart-mind coherence in swimmers. Nineteen licensed swimmers aged 13-18 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=9) receiving imagery and breathing exercises or a control group (n=10) receiving only standard physical training. Outcomes were measured using the 200-meter freestyle swimming time, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), and heart-mind coherence via the Inner Balance HeartMath device. The intervention significantly improved mental toughness and swimming performance in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a trend toward improved heart-mind coherence.
Detailed description
The study was conducted at the facilities of Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mensupları Spor Kulübü Yüzme Takımı in Denizli, Türkiye. Participants underwent a pre-test/post-test design with the following measures: 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness (assessed via the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire), and heart-mind coherence (measured using the Inner Balance HeartMath device for real-time biofeedback of heart rate variability \[HRV\]). The experimental group participated in a 10-week intervention involving daily imagery and breathing exercises performed before bedtime, following a structured protocol (4-second inhale through the nose, 4-second exhale through the mouth, while imagining a 200-meter swim with detailed visualization). The intervention included a 6-day training period on techniques, followed by 10 weeks of daily practice, with reminders and feedback provided via a WhatsApp group. The control group continued standard physical training without additional mental training. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, with post-hoc Bonferroni tests, and a significance level of p\<0.05.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALImagery and Breathing Exercises
Participants performed daily imagery and breathing exercises before bedtime for 10 weeks. The protocol involved a 4-second inhale through the nose and a 4-second exhale through the mouth while visualizing a 200-meter freestyle swim with detailed attention to technique and performance. A 6-day training period was provided to teach the techniques, and participants received daily reminders and feedback via a WhatsApp group.
Sponsors
Pamukkale University
Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Masking description
None (Open Label) (The manuscript does not mention blinding; assumed as open-label since participants and researchers likely knew the group assignments due to the nature of the intervention.)
Intervention model description
Randomized controlled trial, parallel-group, pre-test post-test design.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
13 Years to 18 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Aged 13-18 years. * Licensed and actively engaged in competitive swimming. * No serious injuries in the past 6 months. * Parental consent obtained for participants under 18 years.
Exclusion criteria
* Diagnosis of heart disease or respiratory system disorders. * Psychiatric diagnosis or ongoing psychological treatment. * Serious injury or surgery within the past 6 months.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 200-Meter Freestyle Swimming Performance | Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test). | time to complete a 200-meter freestyle swim, measured in seconds. |
| Mental Toughness | Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test). | Assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), with scores indicating levels of mental toughness. The Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) is a 14-item scale measuring mental toughness across the subdomains of confidence, constancy, and control, with scores ranging from 14 to 56. Higher scores indicate greater mental toughness, reflecting a more positive psychological profile in athletes. |
| Heart-Mind Coherence | Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test). | Measured using the Inner Balance HeartMath device to assess heart rate variability (HRV) |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Coherence Values | Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test). | Maximum coherence levels achieved during measurement sessions, assessed via the Inner Balance HeartMath device. |
| Balance Performance | Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test). | Assessed as part of the study hypothesis, though specific measurement tools are not detailed in the manuscript. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed