Psycho-yogic training and its effects on the psychological well-being of underperforming female athletes.
Sohom Saha, Manohar Kumar Pahan, Debajit Karmakar, Guneet Inder Jit Kaur, Ramnivas Gurjar
Journal of bodywork and movement therapies December 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.09.043 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 56 |
| Population | Underperforming female athletes aged 20-25 years |
| Intervention | Psycho-yogic training program |
| Duration | 8-week intervention |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Female athletes Flow state Psycho-yogic training |
| Citations | 2 |
| Key findings | The psycho-yogic training program significantly improved mental toughness, mindfulness, and flow state but did not significantly reduce cognitive or somatic anxiety. |
Abstract
This study investigated the efficacy of an integrated psycho-yogic training program on psychological well-being in underperforming female athletes, addressing the gap in traditional sports training that often neglects psychological readiness. The research involved 56 female athletes aged 20-25 years, randomly divided into experimental and control groups of 28 participants each. The experimental group underwent an 8-week psycho-yogic training program incorporating breath control exercises, visualization guidance, meditation practice, and mindfulness techniques. Psychological parameters were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized measures including SMTQ for mental toughness, FFMQ for mindfulness, CSAI-2R for anxiety, and FSS for flow state. Analysis through ANCOVA with Quade's ANCOVA revealed significant improvements in the experimental group's mental toughness dimensions: confidence (F = 96.20, p<0.001, η2p = 0.64), constancy (F = 36.78, p<0.001, η2p = 0.40), and control (F = 27.20, p<0.001, η2p = 0.33). Mindfulness factors also improved significantly, including observing (F = 188.72, p<0.001, η2p = 0.78), acting with awareness (F = 158.72, p<0.001, η2p = 0.75), and nonreactivity (F = 197.00, p<0.001, η2p = 0.78). Flow state indicators showed substantial enhancements, particularly in challenge-skill balance (F = 164.51, p<0.001, η2p = 0.75) and concentration (F = 283.40, p<0.001, η2p = 0.84). However, no significant changes occurred in cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence levels. The researchers concluded that while the psycho-yogic training effectively enhanced mental toughness, mindfulness, and flow experiences, longer interventions or specifically tailored anxiety-reduction components might be necessary to impact anxiety levels. Future research should explore extended program durations and competitive contexts to evaluate potential delayed effects on anxiety.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 5
- Mindfulness Meditation and Psychopathology Annual Review of Clinical Psychology December 11, 2018
- Neural correlates of nondual awareness in meditation. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 2014
- The Effect of a Brief-Mindfulness Intervention on Psychophysiological Exertion and Flow-State Among Sedentary Adults. Perceptual and Motor Skills June 1, 2021
- Comparing the Psychological Effects of Meditation- and Breathing-Focused Yoga Practice in Undergraduate Students Frontiers in Psychology November 12, 2020
- Effects of a Mindfulness Intervention on Sports-Anxiety, Pessimism, and Flow in Competitive Cyclists. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being March 2016