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Effects of mindfulness training on running performance in a tropical climate.

Nicolas Robin, Shelly Ruart

Acta Psychologica August 26, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.107707 (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed
Sample size 32
Population University students (mean age 21.8 years)
Intervention Mindfulness-based intervention
Duration 6-week intervention
Topics Meditation
Keywords Performance Psychological factors Tropical climate Running
Key findings The mindfulness group improved running performance (time to exhaustion) by 15.4% between pre- and post-test compared with the control group, and reported lower negative affect, perceived fatigue, perceived exertion, and thermal discomfort during the post-test. The authors conclude this provides preliminary evidence that a mindfulness-based intervention may enhance endurance performance in a tropical climate, though further research is needed to determine whether the psychological changes contribute to the performance improvement.

Abstract

Tropical climates can impair aerobic performance and alter psychological responses during exercise. Mindfulness-based intervention has been associated with improvements in sport performance; however, to our knowledge, no studies have examined their effects on running performance in a Tropical Climate (TC). The present study aimed to investigate whether a 6-week mindfulness intervention was associated with improved running performance and more favourable psychological responses during exercise in a TC. Thirty-two university students (Mage = 21.8 years) were randomly assigned to either a Control and Mindfulness group. Participants completed a 20-meter shuttle-run test before and after a 6-week mindfulness intervention (for the participants of the Mindfulness group only) in TC conditions (31 °C; 75%rH). Psychological variables including affect, perceived exertion, mindfulness level, thermal comfort and sensation of fatigue, and running performance (time to exhaustion) were assessed. Compared with the Control group, participants in the Mindfulness group improved their running performance by 15.4% between the pre- and post-test and reported lower levels of negative affect, perceived fatigue, perceived exertion, and thermal discomfort during the post-test. These findings provide preliminary evidence that a mindfulness-based intervention may represent a promising strategy for enhancing endurance performance in a TC and is associated with more favourable psychological responses during exercise. Further research is needed to determine whether these psychological changes contribute to the observed improvement in performance.

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

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