Effects of Meditation Practice on Body Balance Training

Abstract Objectives Meditation may help athletes optimize performance, but measuring competitive results alone fails to isolate its specific effects. The present study evaluated whether meditation practice, in conjunction with stability exercises, improves body balance, a foundational skill relevant for action execution and athletic performance.

Method: High school students ( n = 81) were randomly assigned to either an experimental group ( n = 42), or a control group ( n = 39). Both groups underwent a 6-week balance and stabilization training program, including standing on a fit-ball. The experimental group additionally practiced meditation, while the control group engaged solely in the physical training. Static monopodal stability and fit-ball balance proficiency were evaluated in both groups pre- and post-intervention.

Results: While core stability improved to a comparable extent in both groups, the experimental group showed significantly greater gains in fit-ball balance. On average, the experimental group’s falling rate was nearly one-third that of the control group (34.82%; highest Bayesian posterior probability 94% density interval: [17.60%, 52.29%]).

Conclusions: These results indicate that meditation enhances skill acquisition and execution during complex balance tasks. Furthermore, they suggest that integrating meditation in athletic training regimens can significantly optimize balance control and overall performance. Preregistration This study is not preregistered.