Mindfulness practice and sport-specific performance: Evidence from a systematic review and three-level meta-analysis

Abstract

In competitive sports, enhancing athletes’ sport-specific performance through psychological interventions remains a central focus of both theory and practice. Mindfulness practice (MP), which emphasizes present-moment awareness and acceptance, has shown potential to improve attention control and emotional regulation in athletes, yet existing research lacks systematic and methodologically rigorous evidence. To address this gap, the present study conducted a three-level meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of MP on sport-specific performance and to examine potential moderators of its efficacy. Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, 12 eligible studies yielding 30 effect sizes were included. Results revealed a significant and large positive effect of MP on sport-specific performance (SMD = 1.38, 95% CI [0.51, 2.25], p < .01). Subgroup analyses indicated that MP significantly improved performance across genders, competitive levels, and skill types. Long-term interventions incorporating home practice produced the most pronounced effects. Although age and sports experience did not show significant linear or nonlinear moderating effects, model fit suggested potential complex interaction patterns. Overall, MP has a substantial positive impact on sport-specific performance, particularly when implemented as a long-term, systematic intervention with home practice. Practically, coaches and sports psychology professionals should integrate MP as a continuous training component, tailored with home practice and individualized protocols to optimize outcomes.