The Effect of 10-Week Imagery and Breathing Exercises on 200-Meter Swimming Performance, Mental Toughness, and Heart-Mind Coherence in Swimmers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
试验速览
- 阶段
- 不适用
- 状态
- 已完成
- 发起方
- 入组人数
- 19
- 试验地点
- 1
- 主要终点
- 200-Meter Freestyle Swimming Performance
研究概览
简要总结
This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week imagery and breathing exercise intervention on 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness, and heart-mind coherence in swimmers. Nineteen licensed swimmers aged 13-18 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=9) receiving imagery and breathing exercises or a control group (n=10) receiving only standard physical training. Outcomes were measured using the 200-meter freestyle swimming time, the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), and heart-mind coherence via the Inner Balance HeartMath device. The intervention significantly improved mental toughness and swimming performance in the experimental group compared to the control group, with a trend toward improved heart-mind coherence.
详细描述
The study was conducted at the facilities of Pamukkale Üniversitesi Mensupları Spor Kulübü Yüzme Takımı in Denizli, Türkiye. Participants underwent a pre-test/post-test design with the following measures: 200-meter freestyle swimming performance, mental toughness (assessed via the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire), and heart-mind coherence (measured using the Inner Balance HeartMath device for real-time biofeedback of heart rate variability [HRV]). The experimental group participated in a 10-week intervention involving daily imagery and breathing exercises performed before bedtime, following a structured protocol (4-second inhale through the nose, 4-second exhale through the mouth, while imagining a 200-meter swim with detailed visualization). The intervention included a 6-day training period on techniques, followed by 10 weeks of daily practice, with reminders and feedback provided via a WhatsApp group. The control group continued standard physical training without additional mental training. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, with post-hoc Bonferroni tests, and a significance level of p<0.05.
研究设计
- 研究类型
- Interventional
- 分配方式
- Randomized
- 干预模型
- Parallel
- 主要目的
- Treatment
- 盲法
- None
盲法说明
None (Open Label) (The manuscript does not mention blinding; assumed as open-label since participants and researchers likely knew the group assignments due to the nature of the intervention.)
入排标准
- 年龄范围
- 13 Years 至 18 Years（Child, Adult）
- 性别
- All
- 接受健康志愿者
- 是
入选标准
- •Aged 13-18 years.
- •Licensed and actively engaged in competitive swimming.
- •No serious injuries in the past 6 months.
- •Parental consent obtained for participants under 18 years.
排除标准
- •Diagnosis of heart disease or respiratory system disorders.
- •Psychiatric diagnosis or ongoing psychological treatment.
- •Serious injury or surgery within the past 6 months.
研究组 & 干预措施
Imagery and Breathing Exercises
Participants received a 10-week intervention of imagery and breathing exercises in addition to standard physical training.
干预措施: Imagery and Breathing Exercises (Behavioral)
Standard of care
Participants received only standard physical training without additional mental training.
结局指标
主要结局
200-Meter Freestyle Swimming Performance
时间窗: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).
time to complete a 200-meter freestyle swim, measured in seconds.
Heart-Mind Coherence
时间窗: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).
Measured using the Inner Balance HeartMath device to assess heart rate variability (HRV)
Mental Toughness
时间窗: Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).
Assessed using the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), with scores indicating levels of mental toughness. The Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) is a 14-item scale measuring mental toughness across the subdomains of confidence, constancy, and control, with scores ranging from 14 to 56. Higher scores indicate greater mental toughness, reflecting a more positive psychological profile in athletes.
次要结局
- Maximum Coherence Values(Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).)
- Balance Performance(Baseline (pre-test) and 10 weeks (post-test).)