Mindfulness and Endurance Performance in Distance Runners: The Mediator Role of Prefrontal Resting-State Activity

Abstract Objectives This study examined the associations among mindfulness, endurance performance, and prefrontal cortex (PFC) resting-state activity, and explored whether PFC resting-state activity served as a neural correlate linking mindfulness to endurance performance in distance runners.

Method: Ninety-five distance runner completed the Athletic Mindfulness Questionnaire (AMQ), underwent resting-state electroencephalography (EEG), and performed a graded exercise test to determine time to exhaustion (TTE). Correlation and mediation analyses were conducted.

Results: Higher overall AMQ and awareness were associated with longer TTE ( r = .231, p < .05; r = .207, p < .05); wherein higher overall AMQ is associated with lower PFC resting-state beta activity. Mediation analyses indicated indirect effects of overall AMQ scores (b = 15.84, 95% CI [1.29, 35.07]) and awareness (b = 15.60, 95% CI [1.43, 34.29]) on TTE through lower PFC resting-state beta activity.

Conclusions: Higher mindfulness was associated with lower pre-performance PFC resting-state beta activity, which was in turn associated with better endurance performance. These findings provide preliminary support for PFC resting-state beta activity as a neural correlate linking mindfulness to endurance performance.