The Impact of Fencing-Focused Mindfulness Training on Locus of Control in Sport, Sport-Confidence and Choice Reaction Time
Angelika Marszołek, Zuzanna Gazdowska
Roczniki Psychologiczne September 23, 2025 DOI: 10.18290/rpsych2025.0003 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 21 |
| Population | Adolescent fencers from three Polish fencing clubs |
| Intervention | Fencing-focused mindfulness training |
| Duration | 8 training sessions |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Locus of control Fencing Choice reaction time Psychological intervention Cognition Clinical psychology Attentional control Mindfulness meditation Developmental psychology |
| Key findings | Fencing-focused mindfulness training increased internal locus of control on the competition scale, and increased confidence was associated with decreased choice reaction time in the experimental group. |
Abstract
Studies suggest that mindfulness meditation may shorten the reaction time in cognitive tests. Mindfulness-based interventions are considered to influence positively both performance and psychological state of athletes. Since reaction time and psychological factors are crucial for winning bouts in fencing, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether fencing-focused mindfulness training increases internal locus of control and sport confidence, and shorten choice reaction time in fencers. The study also examined the relationship between choice reaction time and the aforementioned psychological variables. Twenty-one fencers (age M = 15.67, SD = 1.91) from three Polish fencing clubs took part in the study. Participants completed pre- and two post-intervention measures of locus of control (LOC) in sport, sport-confidence, and choice reaction time (Blaze Pod device). Fencers were randomly assigned to three groups. The experimental group (N = 7) took part in 8 fencing-focused mindfulness trainings, while the active control group (N = 7) participated in 8 lectures on dietary habits and post-workout regeneration. The control group (N = 7) was passive. Results revealed a post-intervention increase in internal LOC on the competition scale in the experimental group and its decrease in both control groups. Results showed that the increase in confidence was associated with a decrease of the reaction time in the experimental group post-intervention. From an applied perspective, mindfulness training may influence increased effectiveness of fencing training and faster execution of fencing actions.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |